Newry’s two shopping centres reported healthy sales over the Christmas period with local consumers said to have delayed shopping trips until close to the Big Day. According to Quay’s Manager Cathal Austin it wasn’t just shopping that made Christmas 2013 memorable at the centre. “The week leading up to Christmas was exceptionally busy for retailers which is great to see,” he said. “Business has been brisk so far for the Boxing Day sales and we hope that the great offers in many stores will continue to attract shoppers in the days and weeks ahead.” The centre also saw two customers Barry Haughey and Edel Keenan get engaged. The couple had originally met in the Quays. Trade was also strong at Buttercrane with Manager Peter Murray stating that footfall had improved on 2012. “Christmas falling on a Wednesday certainly changed shopper habits pushing spend further into December as many people had the confidence to ‘hold off’ buying until the final countdown to Christmas,” he said. “The weekend before Christmas saw huge numbers coming to the city and Buttercrane and many of our retailers have reported that Monday September 23 delivered their best trading day in years which is very positive. “The pre-Christmas sales in three different chain stores offering 20-40 per cent off also offered great value and drove shopper numbers,” Peter added. Both centres also offered customers major prizes this Christmas with Newry native Bernadette McCrink claiming Buttercrane’s £2,500 giveaway on Christmas Eve and Ann Brogan winning the Quays Treasure Trail.
Newry Reporter
1st January 2014
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