Christmas 'relief' for Belfast retailers

Shoppers had been resisting the Christmas rush

Belfast Chamber of Trade has said retailers in the city are relieved as most expect to reach the same level of sales as last Christmas.

A week ago takings were significantly less than during the same period last year, but the last few days of Christmas shopping have improved the fortunes of high street retailers.

Chief Executive of the chamber Frank Caddy said: "After a very poor start to Christmas trade in early December, I think the retailers were getting quite worried, but this last week has been tremendous.

"The weather has been good, the atmosphere has been good and I think they are breathing a sigh of relief. I think it is going to be about level with last year.

"Christmas is so very important for retail. Up to 80% of trade may be done in the Christmas period. Toy shops, for example, are wholly dependent on Christmas trade. If you have a bad Christmas, that is your business gone because you can't afford to restock for the coming year."

Frank Caddy: Christmas trading was slow to pick up pace

Mr Caddy said, however, that there was no doubt that the continued differential between the strong pound sterling and the weaker Irish pound had affected trade in Belfast, as shoppers headed south of the border in search of bargains.

He said: "We have heard stories of people trying to get on the 8am train from Belfast to go down to Dublin and not being able to get a seat. Certainly money has gone down south with the perception is that it is cheaper and better value down there.

"It's not always the case and you need to be careful."

He also acknowledged that a number of shops which have been experiencing poorer than expected Christmas trade had already started sales, which usually do not begin until January.

"It is good news for consumers, but generally a bad sign.

"Obviously some retailers have bought for Christmas anticipating a certain level of sales. If the retailer is not going to achieve that, then he is going to have to start moving that a little bit earlier, whilst there are still crowds around."

This year's buying patterns in the city suggest that some Northern Ireland consumers are holding off on big purchases like DVD players and computers until the annual January sales.

Christmas sales have been good for mobile phone outlets, while the clothing sector has not done as well as in some previous seasons.

Retailing hours have been extended further than ever this year during the Christmas period, but the message from many traders is that this has not increased profits.