“Don’t do your Christmas shopping until the very last moment.”

That’s the seasonal advice this year from University of Ulster retailing expert Donald McFetridge.

 “If you can afford to wait until the last minute there will be loads of bargains, particularly in furniture, carpets, drapery and footwear,” said the Coleraine-based analyst.

“Today’s consumers have to be sharp to combat the sophisticated sales techniques deployed by retailers but the consumer is still the king,” he said.

“There is still a need to shift last season's stock in order to get the new ranges on to the shelves.

“Consumers should shop around. Compare prices. Enjoy the fun of it.  But do not overspend - buy only what you need. But just as retailing has become more scientific, today’s consumers are more discriminating, discerning, demanding, better educated, more widely travelled, more experimental and sophisticated than ever before.”

And he offered some simple rules to make the most of the Christmas shopping opportunities:

“Be careful to avoid impulse purchases.  Relish the moment. Remember: while retailers are eager to sell, consumers still hold all the purse strings.”

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter