09 Dec 2010
Posted by Miriam O'Neill 
Undeterred by high fuel prices, the weakened euro and the inevitable queues, 1 in 5 motorists in Ireland say they plan on driving across the border to do some Christmas shopping this year.
Despite evidence by ‘Retail Ireland’ that cross-border shopping is abating in 2010; the results of an AA Motor Insurance poll indicate that 20% will hop in their cars to take a shopping trip in Northern Ireland between now and Christmas. A further 6% said that they will do some or all of their Christmas shopping elsewhere in the UK.
As always cross-border shopping proved a contentious issue among respondents with some labelling the practice as unpatriotic. Inversely a number of people argued that Southern prices are driving them across the border as they strive to make their 2010 Christmas Euro go further. Others admitted to keeping an eye on the fluctuating exchange rate before making up their minds.
More positively, 63% of respondents in the AA Motor Insurance poll said that they will do their shopping locally this Christmas.
On a lighter note, shoppers wracking their brains for the ultimate Christmas gift for the petrol heads in their lives can take inspiration from the AA’s top 10 motoring gift guide. The list as voted for by more than 6,500 respondents of the AA Motor Insurance poll highlights a clear preference for practical gifts over non-essential gadgets this year.
