Galway traders reported a sleepy start to the January sales yesterday with the weather being one of the main deterrents.
A downpour at lunchtime was followed by several hours of sunshine, and a pick-up in business in the city centre.
Moons, which is part of the Brown Thomas chain, was trading steadily throughout the afternoon after a slow start when it opened doors at 9.30 a.m.
Reductions of 30 to 40 per cent in the women's and men's clothing departments were the main attractions, while household goods were reduced by an average 20 per cent - with foot-spas taking pride of place.
For long-term planners, mini Christmas puddings and chocolates were selling at up to 50 per cent of the pre-Christmas price. Moon's hopes to make the most of the week with opening times extending to 7 p.m. for the next few days.
In the retail park, those hunting electrical goods were battling for bargains at Currys, which opened shortly before Christmas in Galway and at Electricworld, formerly O'Connor's.
However, sales at many of the traditional outlets in the city and surrounding towns such as Tuam, Loughrea and Ballinasloe, do not begin until this morning.
As a measure of the western capital's affluence, Galway Chamber of Commerce has predicted that all previous records will be smashed when the final tally is available for spending over this period.
Last year, over £42 million was spent in the city during Christmas trading, and it has been predicted that it will reach £50 million this year. Not only is more money in circulation, but more expensive items have been in demand.
One headache for the retailers is a serious labour shortage, which is also affecting tourism in the region.
