City shoppers snap up sale bargains
Belfast’s post-Christmas sales rush began in earnest today, with shoppers netting bargains with 75% off the normal price.
Fashion and electrical retailers were busy and many shop owners were expecting to enjoy a boom well into January as they cleared their shelves in preparation for spring.
Belfast city centre manager Joanne Jennings said it was one of the busiest days of the year.
“There are a lot of people here taking advantage of the sales discounts - between 50 and 75% off – and most of the stores are open,” she said.
“Over the next couple of weeks we will have a whole host of discounts as different stores start their sales at different times.
“There had been warnings that retailing would be depressed but Belfast has benefited from the discounting.
“A lot of people are taking the week off or if they are working 9-5 they can use the late-night opening to shop and it really is very busy.”
One of the best known sales, at Next in Donegall Place, starts at 3am tomorrow and bargain-hunters are expected to queue all night in the cold.
Elsewhere, many people are expected to attend racing at Down Royal or watch some of the local football, with Linfield playing Glentoran in Belfast.
The city was packed last week with last-minute Christmas shoppers and Ms Jennings said the trend was likely to continue.
“We know the fashion retailers and electrical stores have been busy today and there are sales across the city centre so it is the perfect time for anybody planning for the New Year,” she added.
