Trade is said to be brisk in Clare today as shoppers go in search of Black Friday deals.
Retailers across Clare and further afield have slashed prices to make the most of the expected uptake in sales over the weekend.
But, while more people are entering the shops, not all business owners are convinced it’s a positive event.
Today marks Black Friday, a sales frenzy that originated in the US, where shops put on major discounts the day after Thanksgiving each year.
Though on the other side of the Atlantic, it’s confined to one day, recent years have seen it grow and grow in Ireland, with many shops putting on sales lasting a week or more.
Here in Clare, shop doors were opened bright and early this morning to welcome early risers in, who were out for a bargain.
Patrick Bourke of Bourke’s Menswear in Ennis and Kilrush says the annual event is continuing to grow beyond belief.
Despite a welcome boost in footfall coming into stores, preparing for the sale period can prove a challenge.
Eric Flynn of Ennis Electrical says they’re expecting a large influx of customers in the afternoon today, as well as tomorrow.
While getting the store ready for sales can prove challenging, with the benefit of hindsight, Eric says this year is flowing better than before.
However, not everyone is convinced that Black Friday is good news for business owners.
Ennis Chamber President Gwen Culligan, who runs The County Boutique on O’Connell Street, doesn’t think retailers support it on the whole.
