Holidays From Belfast

Bagging a bargain from Versace to Debenhams

It seems like summer has only just started — but already so have the sales. And if the overcast skies have been getting you down, then some of the bargains to be had at a store near you may just raise a smile.

A combination of fairly dismal weather and some of the toughest trading conditions on the high street in years have resulted in some of the best bargains for years.

And savvy shoppers can make savings of up to 70% across a wide range of products as retailers slash prices to shift stock.

Some of the best finds of all are in the more exclusive boutiques that line the Lisburn Road in south Belfast and Bloomfield Avenue in the east of the city.

For example, if you have always wanted to bag yourself a designer number, head to Blush on Belfast’s Lisburn Road where dresses from Dannii Minogue’s acclaimed Project D range are now on offer at up to half price.

Or if the high street chains remain your favourites, then check out the bargains at big names like Dorothy Perkins, Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and River Island. But it’s not just bonanza time for fashionistas, there are also huge reductions at furniture and garden stores and right across the high street.

Dr Karise Hutchinson is a lecturer in retailing at the university of Ulster. She says:

“I've been surprised to see the sales come so early. They normally start in the middle of July to make way for new stock to come in at the end of that month.

“Consumer confidence is at an all time low at the moment so high street stores also want to get people into the shops. Price has historically always been a factor when attracting shoppers but now because of the economic crisis it's the motivation that will pull shoppers in. These days shops compete not just with each other but also with internet stores too.

“This isn't just the case in Northern Ireland but across the UK. Summer sales are taking place everywhere. Northern Ireland has been cushioned from the full effect of the economic downturn but that is changing. Although big brand names such as HMV and Thornton's have been making headlines by going into administration, smaller independent retailers across Northern Ireland are also facing very difficult times and some have been forced to close.

Belfast Holidays » Travel Blog

If you are thinking about a short holiday then Belfast, the capital city of the Northern Ireland can prove to be an ideal one for you. This lively metropolis represents a cosmopolitan life with several attractions to travel around and outstanding hotels to stay. Belfast is full of tourist spots for visitors of all ages. With its wide selection of pubs and bars and vibrant nightlife it appeals to young visitors on one hand whereas on the other with its historical monuments it appeals to tourists of old age. If you want a comfortable stay and a pleasurable travelling experience in Belfast then make sure that you find a good Belfast hotel in or outside the city. Belfast has a lot of hotels both in the city and outside the city with different star ratings. Five star hotels are the most comfortable and most pricey but; if money is not a concern for you then you can surely enjoy a luxurious holiday in the 5 star hotels of Belfast. On the other hand, if you are concerned about prices, then you can always avail the budget hotels that offer fundamental lodging with the necessary facilities. For families and people travelling in a group it is wise to book suitable Belfast hotels in advance. During the months of April and September it is festival time in Belfast as a result a huge number of travelers visit Belfast to participate in the many celebrations and observe live music shows. If you don’t want to end up in trouble you must certainly make your booking in any Belfast hotel well in advance. As the city is the main attraction so if you don’t book in advance then during the festival season you may have to stay at hotels located away from the city as all Belfast hotels within the city usually get filled up.

There is a lot to be said for Belfast city and Belfast hotels for that matter as there are a number of fine hotels in Belfast city centre to choose from when staying in this city.

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