Hi °C | Lo °C Ulster retailers last night claimed that business was booming yesterday as bargain hunters battled the pouring rain to take advantage of slashed winter sale prices.
And after a rather sluggish pre-Christmas high street sales season, as well as a quiet Boxing Day kick-off, major stores yesterday said that cash was flowing across counters.
But while city centre car parks were full and shoppers stood to profit from discounts of more than 70%, the Belfast Telegraph observed little hustle and bustle on the streets of Belfast.
Among those claiming ringing tills, however, was retail giant Next, which opened its doors at 4am.
Indeed, stores at Donegall Place and on the Boucher Road saw queues begin to form in the early hours of the morning.
"Our shop at Donegall Place was packed from 4am and it has been full all day," said Rachael Early (20), an administrator.
"I work in the cash office. It's my job to count the money that comes in and we're very pleased today. People have been practically fighting over some items, trying to get their hands on a bargain.
"Most things are reduced by 50%, but there are some items that are discounted by 70%."
Ms Early confirmed that, like many Ulster stores, in the run-up to the festive period sales had been down on previous years.
"We were one of the first shops to open late in November and we weren't as busy as we had been in other years," she said.
"I don't know whether that can be put down to internet shopping or the fact that people don't have as much disposable income, but we are hoping to remain busy over the next few days."
Meanwhile, in Newry tens of thousands of people took to the streets in search of special offers - bucking the slow sales trend witnessed across the UK.
Peter Murray, Buttercrane Shopping Centre manager, said the town was " thronged again".
"It never ceases to amaze me. With Christmas over, two days later here we go again. Tens of thousands of people, out to pick up bargains," he said.
He said there was no obvious downturn in year-on-year high street shoppers or sales.
"Before Christmas we were as busy as usual and today is every bit as busy as it was last year."
At Castlecourt on Belfast's Royal Avenue, duty manager Paul Relph yesterday morning said he was gearing up for a busy day, with shoppers expected to come in their droves.
And S&R Electrics on the Holywood Road was also expecting to be mobbed with bargain hunters, some of whom had been queuing for three days outside the shop.
Manager Valerie Duff said: "There have been people sleeping outside the shop since Christmas Eve.
"I have been giving them turkey sandwiches to keep their spirits up."
Despite speculation surrounding general disaffection with the high street - in favour of online shopping, among other things - experts are predicting that the post-Christmas rush will continue for at least a fortnight.
More than 37 million shoppers are expected to blitz the January sales across the UK.
