Major shops to open on St. Stephen’s Day

Major shops in the country’s cities will re-open on December 26, after taking just one day off for the Christmas holiday.

The decision was taken by most retailers after the success of last year’s experiment.

In Dublin, Clery’s, Arnotts, Brown Thomas and Debenhams will all open their doors on St. Stephen’s Day, kicking off their sales a day earlier than tradition.

Budget fashion retailer Penneys will also open its main stores in Dundrum, O’Connell Street and Mary Street.

Marks & Spencer has bucked the trend and will not reopen until December 27, stating it would prefer to give its staff a break.

Arnotts said that is aware that the decision is tough on staff but last year was a “trial” and it ended up being second biggest day in terms of turnover. Therefore, the iconic department store will be opening again this year.

IBEC’s Retail Ireland said there was a public appetite for opening hours on St. Stephen’s Day, even though it falls on a Sunday this year.

“The public demand is there for it, it’s a leisure activity for a lot of people and enough people went out to shop last year to make it worth their while for retailers to open,” said director Torlach Denihan.