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Shopping Centres Booming As Second Lockdown's Looming

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03:38 19 Oct 2020


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Some shops have seen demand double in recent days amid speculation of a second lockdown.

There are queues at many stores as customers prepare for Christmas.

Wet Miserable Monday Offers Record Sales

A wet and miserable Monday morning wouldn't normally be dream trading conditions for retailers here.

But the talk of a second lockdown, which could force many non-essential shops to close, has led to many experiencing strong demand from customers.

These people are stocking up on Christmas presents:

A woman told us, "We're just panicking in case there's nothing left for the kids that's all."

Her friend says "I don't think this is going to go on as long as people think."

"I do think they're all going to re-open again before Christmas."

"So I think the panic is just crazy, but people are going to do it either ways."

Another person added, "I'd say people are saying if it does close and doesn't open again what are we going to do?"

"What are the kids going to do?"

Some Shops Reporting Double Sales

Retail Ireland says some outlets have seen trade double over the last few days compared to what they'd expect.

DIY and electrical equipment are some of the most in-demand products.

Not everyone is convinced that panic buying is necessary:

A woman said, "there's just no point in panic buying, the shops will open again."

"I suppose because I don't have children it doesn't bother me."

"But I can understand for people with children, they can hardly tell them Santy's not coming."

Retail Ireland says they haven't seen the kind of extra demand in supermarkets that was common back in March.

It's assuring customers that there's no threat to grocery supply chains.

Additional Reporting: Stephen Murphy from Blanchardstown in Dublin

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