With sterling suffering under the cloud of Brexit uncertainty and Euro showing some muscle, Southern shoppers are set to save up to 43% on Christmas shopping said Buttercrane Shopping Centre Manager Peter Murray.
‘Last year in December we saw our Euro customers reach almost 50% of total shoppers in the week prior to Christmas and this year we’re already starting to see a 10% rise each weekend as we edge closer to December.’
‘Shoppers gain an average saving of 17 % on goods bought across the border and there are over 30% savings to be had on electrical products and phones.
Recent research shows as much as 40% can be saved on beer and chocolate gifts so our flagship stores M&S, Dunnes, Primark alongside Easons and our fashion, phone and toy retailers are preparing themselves for a Euro surge as consumers vote with their feet, making their money go further at the most expensive time of the year.’
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John Gildea owner of The Bureau based in Buttercrane Shopping Centre, Newry is reporting a similar outlook.
‘Positive Euro data and upbeat talk from the continent seems to be positioning the rise of the Euro, the question is, how far can it go?
‘The European Central banker Benoit Coeure said the recovery in the Eurozone is the strongest he’s seen in 20 years. The commission has revised estimates for growth in 2017 upwards of 2.2% from 1.7%. This, combined with the uncertainty in Brexit negotiations and the impact on sterling, suggests the Euro has the potential to hit 0.90 /0.91 before Christmas.
‘In summary, we say get ready to use your Euros to maximum effect in the run up to the festive season as Brexit bodes big deals for Border shoppers,’ John adds.