Shops around the country are opening their doors this morning for the annual Christmas sales.
Retail Excellence Ireland says sales were up almost 4% this December.
Dublin reported the biggest bounce with a rise of around 5% on this time last year, but provincial shops were hit by the bad weather at the start of the month.
For anyone going shopping today the National Consumers Association says make use of gift receipts as soon as possible.
But spokesperson Dermot Jewell - says they won't guarantee a refund:
