by Kate Heaney
BUSINESSES in Letterkenny have reported busy Christmas sales and are expecting a last minute rush over the next few days.
Retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues have been enjoying a seasonal boom with many thankful the days of lockdowns are behind us.
Mark McCloskey of Evolve Menswear is enjoying a great shopping season, not quite up to last year’s level but very good nonetheless.
“Business is definitely good. While the footfall may be down a bit on last year, which was a really massive year, it is all good. 2022 was a massive year because we were all just getting out again after the pandemic. To be anywhere near last year’s numbers is very positive and we still have the weekend to go.Traffic in the town is definitely moving much better and if there was no traffic at this time of year we would all be giving out. It’s great to be back to normality,” Mark said.
Gerard McCormick of Magees Pharmacy in Letterkenny said last weekend’s shopping was very strong and indications were the last few days of Christmas shopping would be the same.
“Demand is good and hopefully we will finish strong,” he said.
Gareth Ball at McCullagh Jewellers described trade this year as pretty similar to last year.
“While footfall appears to be down this year very slightly, the spend per customer is up and we are extremely busy.
“Nomination charms are hugely popular again and customers are buying one or two gold pieces instead of a few silver pieces. Gold is definitely more popular this year.
“We are doing a vast amount of engraving with engraved tree decorations as well as personalised wine and champagne holders in big demand. So far so good,” he added.
Frances Spears at Mourne Antiques does feel there is an impact on spend because of the cost of living crisis affecting many people.
“There are still a few days to go, which will hopefully be very busy. You hear a lot of people talking about the cost of living which may reduce spending.
“The other thing you hear is so many people saying they are not coming to Letterkenny because of the traffic.
“Even though it has improved, people are still talking about it,” she said.
At Arena 7 midweek is a bit quieter than on previous years however, weekend trade is strong with lots of Christmas parties celebrating the season.
Marketing Manager Darren McElwaine told the Donegal News this week overall trade was about the same.
“The price of food coming in the service door pushes prices everywhere. The cost of electricity is still an issue so the pressures are still the same.
“People still want to come out and celebrate the occasion but casual dining and drinking have changed a bit,” he said.
At the award-winning hair salon Patrick Gildea said despite additional costs including electricity, business is on target and he will continue to reinvest profits.
“I am very happy now that demand has come back even stronger.
“The infrequency of getting out during lockdown has now virtually gone. The industry is probably back to strength and normalised at last,” he added.
Business is brisk at Kelly’s Centra at the Mountain Top according to owner Mairtin Kelly.
He told the Donegal News this week they are having a “fantastic Christmas”.
“It has been really good in the last number of weeks. November trade was in double digits from last year. People still have to eat and here, like all the Centre stores, we try to keep prices reasonable,” he said.
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