Christmas Shoppers Flock Over the Irish Border

Shoppers from the Republic of Ireland are visiting towns across the border in the hope of snapping up festive bargains, thanks to the Sterling to Euro exchange rate. The favourable rate for Irish shoppers has had a major part to play in the number of people travelling to towns and cities north of the border, and this trend looks set to continue for the foreseeable future. And Cookstown in County Tyrone is just one of their stops on their cross-border expeditions as they take advantage of items which are substantially cheaper here than in the Republic.
With the new Broadfields Retail Park and the Burn Road improvement scheme, the Northern Irish town of Cookstown is proving more attractive then ever as a northern destination.

However, politicians south of the border have criticised shoppers for deserting the Republic in their droves, with some saying Irish residents have an obligation to shop at home and support their own economy. Despite the criticisms though, a large number of shoppers have been visiting Cookstown in recent months as they have seen the value of the Euro in their purses rise by as much as 30 percent against the pound over the past year.

The Republic's Finance Minister, Brian Lenihan, has urged shoppers to resist the bargains in Northern Ireland and stay at home. It's estimated Ireland will lose over $200 million worth of tax revenue to cross-border shopping this year. Last year retailers in the Republic lost out as thousands of people travelled north to enjoy cheaper goods and a lower VAT rate.

Cookstown Ulster Unionist Cllr Trevor Wilson said he welcomed the shoppers to the town which, he pointed out, had a reputation for having excellent shopping facilities.

"Cookstown has a lot to offer from the large multi-nationals to the family-run businesses. And the new Burn Road improvement scheme will further enhance the town and make it an attractive place to visit," he told me. "Cookstown is a fantastic place to visit and with the marketing campaign 'Looking Good, Looking Great', we hope to raise its profile even further in the lead up to Christmas."

With people continuing to drive over the border in search of bargains, they are resisting politicians' calls to stay at home. These last few weeks have been busier than ever in Northern Ireland, and despite the recession still within our reach, shoppers are out spending money. Everyone is hopeful that shoppers, both north and south of the border, will put this year's grim financial situation behind them and enjoy a positive 2010.