IRELAND'S BIGGEST department stores, Arnotts, Clerys and Brown Thomas, have decided to break with decades of tradition this year and open their doors to bargain-hunting shoppers on St Stephen's Day, The Irish Timeshas learned.
The three hope to generate extra sales in what has otherwise been a bad year for the retail industry. Most Irish retailers have experienced double-digit falls in their sales this year.
The move raises the possibility of long queues forming outside the stores on Christmas Day night as consumers jockey for position to snap up the best bargains when the stores throw open their doors at 10am on St Stephen’s Day, which this year falls on a Saturday.
Arnotts, Clerys and Brown Thomas will open on December 26th, from 10am to 6pm. Traditionally, they close on Christmas Eve and don’t open again until December 27th.
Brown Thomas also plans to open its Cork store on the day, but its Limerick and Galway outlets will remain closed.
It is understood that British retailers Next, Debenhams and River Island will also open on Dublin’s Henry Street.
Arnotts chief executive David Riddiford told The Irish Timesthe decision was influenced by the recession. "In the current economic climate, we have to do everything we can to maximise sales and profit to ensure our long-term viability," Mr Riddiford said. Arnotts' staff have been asked to volunteer to work that day and will be paid double time.
This move will bring Ireland into line with Britain, where the biggest department stores traditionally launch their post-Christmas sales on Boxing Day to mobs of shoppers.
Mr Riddiford, who comes from England, said sales on Boxing Day were up to 50 per cent higher than a normal shopping day for British retailers. He said it would promote the opening by significantly discounting a number of “loss leader”, big-ticket items to draw shoppers into the store.
It also plans to have live music and big TV screens showing the racing from Leopardstown and English football. “The men can watch the football while the wife goes shopping,” he joked.
