Donald McFetridge

If you want to beat the Christmas rush and pick up a few bargains – now is the time to start your shopping – advises a leading retail expert.

Donald McFetridge from the University of Ulster predicts a massive last minute rush to the shops this year – with people ‘panic buying’ because they have left it too late.

“Over the past few years consumers have been tightening their belts with the greater part of the Christmas shopping being left to the very last minute. With Christmas Day falling on a Sunday this year there will of course, be the inevitable Christmas Eve rush,” said Donald.

“As usual people will leave specialist goods such as perfumes, accessories, CDs, DVDs, digital cameras and iPODs until nearer the actual date and with the recent cold spell prompting a rise in sales of winter clothes there will be less bargains to be found in the January sales.

“There will also be an increase in internet Christmas shopping this year. Unlike in 2004 when many consumers were left disappointed due to late deliveries and goods being out-of-stock, even the smaller-scale internet retailers will be better prepared both in terms of stock levels and delivery. Retailers have learned from the lessons of last year and I comfortably predict a steep increase in internet purchases this year.”

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter