Local businesses are facing a challenge in competing with the reality that hundreds of people are heading north of the border this Christmas.
Ocean FM News has travelled to Enniskillen today, the 8th of December, which marks the traditional start of the Christmas shopping season – to see just how many people are taking the trip.
While everyone is encouraged to shop at home, the value of Sterling is luring many shoppers across the border.
Harry Keaney reports from Enniskillen in county Fermanagh:
Report:
In this north west area it’s to Enniskillen that many cross-border shoppers head for.
And already today the car park of Asda in Enniskillen is almost full, with many of the vehicles having number plates registered in the Republic.
And while many of those are from Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan, some have travelled from Longford and Mayo.
Not all of those to whom Ocean FM spoke say value for money is the reason they travel.
The also mention variety, ease of car parking and the friendly atmosphere and for others it’s simply a day out.
But one thing is clear … all are acutely conscious of comparing prices north and south.
And with the the uncertainty of Brexit,that also means uncertainty for towns close to the border.
These shoppers spoke to Ocean FM News in the car park of Asda in Enniskillen this morning:
