A decision by Dunnes Stores to extend 24-hour shopping at its flagship outlet in the run-up to Christmas was sharply criticised yesterday by opposition TDs.
The company said it would have 24-hour opening at its Cornelscourt branch in Dublin every Friday between now and Christmas, and also on Tuesday, December 23rd.
It said the decision was designed to take "the crush out of Christmas shopping", and build on last year's "very successful" 24-hour opening on December 23rd and year-round midnight opening on Fridays at the store.
"The company sees its extended hours and extended offer as a solution to easing the pressure on consumers at this time of year."
But the move was described as "commercialism gone mad" by Mr Pat Rabbitte TD, enterprise and employment spokesman for Democratic Left. "Twenty-four hour shopping is a nonsense in my opinion. There's no necessity for it. I think it highlights the need for some regulation in this area."
He said that far from attempting to relieve the Christmas rush, the more likely intention of the company was "to relocate the crush to Dunnes Stores".
Mr John Gormley TD of the Green Party was equally critical of the move, describing it as "materialism gone mad".
However, a company spokeswoman said the commercial success of last year's once-off 24-hour opening at Cornelscourt and the ongoing midnight opening proved there was a demand.
