THERE’S BEEN A surge in people crossing the border for Christmas shopping trips this year, according to a new survey from the AA.

9,000 members were surveyed, with over a quarter saying they planned to leave the State for the purpose of Christmas shopping this year – a three-fold increase compared to 2015.

Northern Ireland was top of the list, with 12% planning a trip across the border.
5.33% said they were planning a visit elsewhere in the UK.

Clothes, alcohol, and food & groceries topped the list for those leaving the state for shopping.

The weakness of sterling is probably the key factor behind an upsurge in shoppers planning a trip to Northern Ireland or Great Britain in advance of Christmas, according to the AA’s Conor Faughnan.

“It is very likely that the currency is the key factor but it’s probably not the only one,” he said.

There is also a bit more confidence around this year. Traffic volumes are up, employment is up and people are spending more generally.

Further down the list of countries and cities respondents to the AA membership survey said they planned to visit for Christmas shipping, just over 5% said they planned to visit continental Europe and 1.03% said they would go to New York.

Poll: Will you be leaving the state for Christmas shopping?

Read: It’s been snowing heavily in Hawaii this weekend >

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