It's a miracle on 34th Street for Irish shoppers at Macy's in New York

Shoppers flee Irish recession to shop til they drop in Macy's

“Not at all,” says KerryLee. “If the government didn’t tax things so heavily they would make more money because people would buy at home.

“We’re paying decent taxes. I feel that the government are getting their chunk out of me way or another”.

KerryLee was looking for a Juicy Couture handbag for her daughter, who lives in Australia.

“A big Juicy bag here is the same price as a small wallet in Ireland. Even by the time I pay for shipping to Australia it still works out cheaper.”

They head off on the hunt for the bag in question. In two hours they would leave for Jersey Gardens outlet mall in New Jersey.

“All in a day’s shopping,” they laugh as they wave goodbye.

Sisters Maura, Antoinette, and Aine Moran are on a mission in New York -- to shop until they drop. The Mullingar, Co. Westmeath trio have a budget of approximately $1,700 to $2,000 each, and they are determined to spend every last cent.

The sisters decided last May that they were going to start saving, so they don’t have any guilt in splurging. Has the recession affected them personally?

“Just me,” says Maura, an occupational therapist. “My wages have been cut by about €300 or €400 per month because of the pension levy.”

Antoinette, an assistant manager in a crèche, tells the main items on her shopping list. “Ugg boots and good shoes. For example, in Jersey Gardens, I got two pairs of shoes for $110. In Ireland, they would be €120 for one pair. We are really getting good deals, and treating ourselves too.”

Although the recession may not have personally affected her, Aine explains the way it has affected others.

“We have been shopping in New York before, but this time it was different when we told people. They are more jealous and begrudging, and make smart comments about it being well for some going shopping in New York during a recession.”

The sisters got the three flights for €900 and a five night stay in their hotel for $800, and they believe they are still saving money.

“We knew not to buy any clothes since May, so we have definitely got more for our money, and a holiday on top of that,” says Antoinette.

All three bought a new digital camera. And they are completely disenchanted with what they call the “rip-off Republic” at home.

“People are just trying to make ends meet and the prices are still high. Even neighbors of ours from Mullingar are heading up to Enniskillen in Northern Ireland to get their groceries,” says Aine.

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Nster.com