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Irish Christmas shoppers opting for basic, functional gifts this year

ANTOINETTE KELLY,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Monday, December 19, 2011, 7:57 AM

Updated Monday, December 19, 2011, 10:17 AM

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O'Connell Street at Christmas - the Christmas tree next to the GPO

Photo by Google Images

Irish consumers are simplifying their Christmas celebrations this year and opting for functional gifts like socks, says an article in the Irish Times.

Retail Excellence Ireland (REI) interviewed more than 300 companies by telephone and found that retailers are reporting modest purchasing habits that contradict Irish shoppers reputation as the biggest Christmas spenders in Europe.

Consumers also seem to be more focused this year, purchasing only what they came into the shop to buy and foregoing presents for themselves. They are also less likely to take up offers and promotions, like "three for two" deals," designed to increase average transaction values.

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“Functional gifts that can be used and worn are in demand. Gifts for show and style are a thing of the past,” said REI.

Even food retailers have reported that shoppers are buying only “the basic core item and are happy to go without the trimmings."

Traditional “gifts of yesteryear” that lost popularity during the Celtic Tiger years are making a comeback, according to retailers.

“Dad can expect a few pairs of socks this Christmas,” the trade group said.

Nster.com

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Murph46 | Dec 20, 2011, 12:08 AM EST

Your story made me smile PatriciaMarya Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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PatriciaMarya | Dec 19, 2011, 07:55 PM EST

Wow, sounds like people are coming to their senses! Also sounds like the sweet Christmases we experienced growing up in Newark, NJ with a Dad who was laid off from the Ford Motor Co. each holiday season because they had made enough cars. (They drove the men like crazy to keep up with their quotas...then punished them by laying them off! Thanks God for the UAW's funds that gave us money to tide them over!) Our Mom was too proud to accept the Turkey Baskets (Irish by the name of Kelly, don't you know!) She also would not let us go to the parties where they gave out toys and goodies because, again, that Irish Pride. So an orange in one's stocking and a warm scarf and new socks to keep your feet warm were a good, good deal. Later, when I was older, I remember going with Mom & Dad to the Beneficial Finance Loan Company to see them borrow money for Xmas presents and it broke my heart - I did not want them to suffer for toys. We have to come to our senses and be aware that this Saturnalia is the Salute to Ole Man Winter - Saturn/Capricorn - and we should not be caught up in the craziness. I have been giving food as gifts for quite a while now and I am still standing! Let's concentrate on creating Peace and making people smile - good stuff.

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