January sales 2018: Bargain hunters expected to provide a major boost to retailers

[Dracony]

BARGAIN-hunters are expected to provide a major boost to retailers today after a “challenging year”.

The retail sector is today bracing itself for a busy onslaught as the Christmas sales get into full swing.

Thousands of Irish shoppers will take to the streets today as major stores like Arnotts, Brown Thomas, Debenhams and Argos all open their doors.

And prices on everything from tech essentials to homeware have been slashed in a bid to encourage shoppers to spend the last of their Christmas cash.

Retail Ireland says shops were on track to have a bumper year but bad weather and pre-Christmas sales have impacted festive spending.

But it’s hoped that a strong run of sales over the next few days will provide an end-of-year bonus of €150m.

Director of Retail Ireland Thomas Burke said: “2018 has been an up and down year for Irish retail and one characterised by a series of peaks and troughs in trading.

“The sector is still hopeful that growth targets can be realised, but trading conditions have been challenging.

“Trade in the early part of the year was severely disrupted by heavy snowfall while conversely the long, hot dry Summer brought bumpers sales for some categories of retail.

“Retailers have also been impacted by bad weather as storms and inclement weather hit during vital shopping weekends in the run up to Christmas Day itself.

“Footfall on these weekends was down significantly on comparable weekends in previous years.”

But it’s not all bad news as Irish retailers are reporting strong performance in their online stores.

And many of those who had left their Christmas gift buying to the last minute were delighted to find that some shops were offering heavy discounts as early as last week.

Today, serious bargain-hunters will be flocking to Arnotts where bags by Michael Kors, Kate Spade and DKNY will be marked down by up to 50pc.

The store’s homeware section will also offer reductions of up to 70pc on certain brands.

Debenhams will welcome shoppers from 10am, with up to 50pc off all departments including beauty, homewares, electricals and fashion.

Online retailer Littlewoods Ireland has also cut the price of many of its products by half, and is expecting strong demand for TVs which will be discounted by up to €350.

Harvey Norman is also anticipating a big run on furniture when it opens its doors at 9am.

Among its star items is a Delonghi Eletta coffee machine reduced from €1,299 to €599.