RETAILERS ARE bracing themselves for an even busier Christmas rush than usual this week as shoppers make up for time lost because of the recent cold spell.
All of the main shopping areas reported brisk business at the weekend as consumers took advantage of mild and sunny conditions to make their pre-Christmas purchases.
On average, retailers saw their business drop by 25 per cent for the week the snow lay on the ground but most are hopeful of making back most, though not all, of the lost business by Christmas Eve.
Some were critical of local authorities for failing to clear ice from shopping streets, thereby further depressing the numbers coming out to shop last week.
Brown Thomas chief executive Stephen Sealey said its seven stores were thronged at the weekend with shoppers who were spending “good money” since the weather improved.
The high-end chain saw business drop 25 per cent last week. “Before the snow we were confident that this Christmas would be better than last year’s, now it’s touch and go.”
Mr Sealey criticised the response of local authorities and other State agencies to the bad weather, describing it as “nothing short of a disgrace”.
“We cleared the pathway outside our stores, as businesses should, but the streets were left uncleared.”
Despite the country’s economic problems, luxury brands and goods were still selling well, he said.
“There’s still a lot of people out there with a lot of money, though generally people are spending smarter and frivolous purchasing is out.”
Arnotts also criticised Dublin City Council over its efforts to clear ice from streets. Chief executive Nigel Blow said its Henry Street store had been busy since Wednesday and Saturday was “especially strong”.
Business at the Dundrum Town Centre has been “phenomenal” since the thaw, according to manager Don Nugent. “It took off from Wednesday and has stayed very busy over the weekend.
“There is an element of cabin fever in it after the cold snap, but people also recognise there’s only one more weekend to Christmas.”
Sales in most stores start on St Stephen’s Day.