Clare retailers say last minute shoppers are keeping them busy this Christmas Eve.
Most outlets in Ennis are remaining open until late this afternoon to accommodate those eleventh hour present buyers.
Clare FM’s Josh Prenderville reports from the county town centre.
While it might be a bit early to fill the glasses just yet, there will no doubt be plenty of shoppers singing with joy at the thought of the Christmas shopping spree being over for another year.
This morning’s rain hasn’t dampened spirits either.
For retailers across Clare, it’s been a more positive period than last Christmas, with queues forming outside many outlets across the county town.
Aoibhin Garrihy, whose pop-up Beo wellness shop on O’ Connell Street ends today, says people in Clare have bought into the ‘buy local’ mantra this year.
Many shops across the county are reporting cash is no longer king, with more than half of purchases now being completed contactlessly.
Recent AIB research suggests that women spend more every day in December, except today, Christmas Eve, when men will outspend the fairer gender by 8 percent.
Danielle Keneally and Chantel Keane of Wix and Wax based in Hermitage say that’s definitely a trend that’s holding up in their outlet.
Shopping is also hungry work, with many choosing to nip in to local food outlets for a quick bite in between collecting the last few bits.
It seems more people in Clare and Ennis are opting to get an early turkey sandwich in than ever before.
Edel from the Snack Shack on Abbey Street says people are getting their festive cravings in already.
Most shops are open until late this afternoon if you’re brave enough to venture out.
