Are you a saver or a spender?
Saver! My parents encouraged me to save from a young age. I have found that this has really paid off over the years and has been very helpful in running a successful business.
Do you shop around for better value?
More than ever now. The web makes it so easy, especially with mobile devices. I compare a lot of sites and have found that it can be time-consuming. For example, when sourcing items for Funky Christmas Jumpers, I always calculate shipping prices. It is often the case that a less expensive item can end up being more expensive due to high shipping costs. So an item might be cheaper to buy abroad, but ends up costing a lot more when shipped to Ireland.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
A Mac laptop which cost me €3,000. I run our website with it and it hasn't missed a beat since the day I bought it. It's an investment that was worth every penny to me.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
Definitely my iPhone – I couldn't live without it. I am very keen on social media and use it to keep our Facebook and Twitter pages up to date throughout the day, as well as staying connected to customers and colleagues.
What way do you prefer to shop: online or local?
Mainly online, but I like the odd trip to the shops. Sometimes you can't beat trying things on, which is feedback that we often get in our pop up store on Dublin's South William Street.
Do you haggle over prices?
I do indeed, but my sister inherited my dad's brilliant haggling skills. Coming from a retail background, I have seen people's attitude change over the past 10 years. Irish haggling skills have greatly improved since the recession. I think that it's a great skill to have.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?
I'm much more aware of good value now and the importance of high quality items. I would have made quite a few impulse purchases in the past, but now tend to weigh up the pros and cons of everything I buy.
Do you invest in shares?
I have dabbled with them but wasn't very successful. Unless I do the proper research, I feel that it's a huge gamble.
Cash or card?
I think that a healthy mix is best but I have always been told to carry some cash in case of an emergency.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
I am big into playing tennis and bought a new racket.
How much money do you have on you?
My lunch money for a nice sandwich in Avoca's Poulet Bonne Femme – and some emergency money.
http://www.funkychristmasjumpers.com
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
