A hundred people were waiting in the frosty morning when the Next store on Dublin's Grafton Street opened its doors at 5 a.m. yesterday. Brown Thomas opened at the more usual time of 9 a.m. Commissionaire Mr Gerard Kelly said there was a rush, with one man dashing to the shoe department and another haring off to the men's fashion department. "It's unusual to see a man so eager . . . some of the designer wear was reduced to half price."
He added: "The usual pattern is for an initial rush, followed by a lull, followed by manic shopping from about 12 noon."
James and Pauline O'Neill were undeterred by the icy roads from Wicklow town. "We come in every year for the sales. We get up at 6 a.m.," said James. They were toting two bags, but one was full of Christmas presents, to be returned. They had arrived in Dublin at 7.45 a.m. and planned to stay until lunchtime.
When Clerys on O'Connell Street opened at 9 a.m., there were just under 500 people waiting, according to store manager Mr Shaun Rippington. "The morning started off slower than expected as people waited for the ice to thaw before travelling. It got progressively busier as the day went on," he said.
There were free breakfasts for the first 100 customers.
Mr Rippington, who is vice-president of the Dublin City Centre Business Association, said that in general terms business in the city centre was good. There was a substantial queue outside Boyers, North Earl Street, when it opened at 1 p.m.
Marks and Spencer in Mary Street was "really busy," said its manager, Mr Jonathan Brad burn. "The coats are virtually sold out and the fleeces are almost gone. We opened at 10 a.m. and people flooded in. We're delighted," he added.
The Next store drew the crowds to the Square shopping centre in Tallaght in the early hours of the morning. The centre's director, Mr Eamonn Furlong, said there was a queue 150 yards long at 4 a.m. in temperatures of -2.5 degrees. He estimated takings for the centre will be in excess of £2.5 million for December.
"The whole month of December has been enormously successful. The Celtic Tiger is roaring its head off in Tallaght. There are a lot more credit card sales."
Business at Blanchardstown Town Centre was busier than anticipated, said marketing manager Ms Mercy Prendergast. "People did not stay at home beside the fire . . . we're delighted."