Business owners in Ennis are reporting a surge in activity today as Black Friday kicks into gear.
The annual shopping holiday is being hailed as an economic godsend for retailers in the county town after a particularly challenging year.
Irish consumers are predicted to spend an average of €66,000 every minute today as retailers in this county and beyond embrace the annual shopping tradition.
Black Friday first originated in North America in the 1960s and has become a mainstay for local business owners since the early noughties.
For many it’s regarded as the official start of the Christmas shopping period and a mix of strategic and opportunistic punters have come from near and far to grab a bargain.
The average personal spend was €398 last year, however that’s forecast to fall to €343 today following a significant spike in the cost of living.
The year has also presented its fair share of challenges to businesses, with electricity bills alone rising by 22% since last year.
Conor Harkin opened the doors of Truth Menswear in Ennis in 2021, he says while its an important day for sales, its a vital opportunity to give back to loyal consumers.
For Danielle Keneally the owner of Wix N Wax in Ennis, this seasons Black Friday fever has already resulted in a surge of transactions.
However with Christmas just around the corner , one business in the county town is applying a different approach to this year’s event.
Willow’s Women’s boutique in Ennis is engaging in the purchase with a purpose campaign which is raising funds for Unicef to provide humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Manager Aisling Connolly says any and all donations can go a long way to helping those who need it most.
You can listen to the full report below.
Speakers include: Aisling Connolly from Willow Womens Boutique, Sinéad Pyne from Cornucopia, Brendan Browne from Brownies Barbershop, Sinéad Nic Síoda from the Record Break, Maureen Harrisson from Seodín and Danielle Keneally from Wix N Wax
