Shopping in Northern Ireland

rotax · 23-11-2008 05:02PM

I bought a nice mattress up north fo 530 euro. The same mattress was on SALE here for 900!!

I asked yer man up north was he making any money on the sale. He said he was and that the retailers down south totally take the piss.

Recently I've gotten really choosey about who gets my money. I prefer to shop in small local shops especially ethnic ones. The owners are usually there so you get great service and value too. They want to do business. Tesco is not getting any more money out of me. The shops are filthy and not cheap and whats more you end up being the checkout person too! whats the story with that???

Time for the consumer to stand up!

Morgans · 23-11-2008 05:19PM

One of the reasons we went up North last weekend was to help a friend who needed to collect fencing for a garden wall. He had knocked it down dong renovations. He got quotes of €1500, cheapest €1150 in Dublin and surrounding counties. Got a quote from some builders providers in Coleraine for £363. Needed to borrow a van which he did. Only extra was insurance for the weekend and petrol.

Again, he had a change of heart on the way up to Coleraine because of the overwhelming sense of patriotic duty that came over him once he passed Dundalk.

jambofc · 23-11-2008 05:27PM

was thinking of going up to get the xmas shopping and get the young lad an xbox,after reading some of the price's up there compared to down here im definetly going up now

DonJose · 23-11-2008 06:02PM

Morgans wrote: »

Was in the north last weekend
Bought packet of 28 Chicken dippers (Birds eye) £1.59 in sainsburys. They were very tasty.

Girlfriend back from shopping in Dunnes today (basic provisions) but same packet of 28 chicken dippers €5.99

She felt it her patriotic duty to buy three packets.*

*She didnt.

The price difference on some items are truly amazing.

BIRDS EYE CHICKEN DIPPERS 100% CHICKEN BREAST

Tesco Republic - €6.19
Tesco North - €3.74 (£3.14)
Sainsbury - €1.86 (£1.57)

ASTRACLUB · 23-11-2008 06:16PM

Not a big rocket science but just did a simple argos calculation.

www.argos.ie item number 559/1301
Sanyo E875 8MP Digital Camera - Silver. €189.99

Now same thing on www.argos.co.uk same item number 559/1301
UK price is GBP79.99 (XE conversion= Euro 93)

So, the total saving on 1 item = Euro 96
beat that!!!

mailburner · 23-11-2008 06:29PM

ASTRACLUB wrote: »

Not a big rocket science but just did a simple argos calculation.

www.argos.ie item number 559/1301
Sanyo E875 8MP Digital Camera - Silver. €189.99

Now same thing on www.argos.co.uk same item number 559/1301
UK price is GBP79.99 (XE conversion= Euro 93)

So, the total saving on 1 item = Euro 96
beat that!!!

can't beat that but this is still a big saver...
was looking at argos last nite at this beer fridge

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500001151&langId=-1&searchTerms=2701888&Submit=GO+%3E
£89.99/107euro

Here its costs 169.99
doesnt show up on argos.ie but its in the catalogue
a saving of 63euro

Wertz · 23-11-2008 06:46PM

Argos is an easy target here because you can view nearly all their stock on both region's websites....don't for a minute think that Argos are the only ones doing this or that they are even the worst example of overcharging.
The grocery prices especially on brand leader items is frankly staggering when you cross the border...and it was before the fall in £STG and before you took further offers like BOGOF or similar into account.
Drink and confectionery/biscuits were obviously always going to be more expensive down here due to duty and VAT on luxury items...but even after you take that on board, the prices are still inexplicably high.

BTW we might be loosing a lot of money over the border, but on the whole for most people a trip to the North isn't practical every week or month (especially if you don't have a car or access to one), so it's only those of us in border regions or with good mway access that can avail of the savings...for the majority of the country they are still faced with having to pay the Irish price for the goods they buy in a weekly shop. Companies are still creaming it, despite what the scaremongers would have you believe...if the groundswell continues though, we might see moves to try and pricematch...but I doubt it.
Even Aldi and Lidl are at this carry on, although perhaps not to the extent that Tescos and Dunnes are...

Davy · 23-11-2008 06:50PM

Wertz wrote: »

Argos is an easy target here because you can view nearly all their stock on both region's websites....don't for a minute think that Argos are the only ones doing this or that they are even the worst example of overcharging.

Also when they out set prices every quarter when the exchange rate changes it throws it up a bit.

Wertz · 23-11-2008 06:54PM

Yes that's a fair point, and it's one that also effects Irish retailers that have bought stock at the then higher £STG price...but on the other hand the recent falls in exchange rate has only made about 10-12% difference to the actual prices...the other 15-25% difference has been there all along...we just had too much money and access to easy credit to make us take notice of it...

Mr Benevolent · 23-11-2008 07:08PM

Just a quick comparison for champange (Lanson Black Label):

€41 (Tesco Ireland)
€29.50 (Tesco NI)

28% dearer down here :mad:

rainbowtrout · 23-11-2008 07:12PM

felinefeelins wrote: »

in Roscommon, so I think enisskillen would prob b closer, hit it via Sligo, just waiting to find out if any of the shops are 24hr opening. bit of a nite owl so that would take the sting out of it. Hate shopping with a vengance:mad:

If you're going from Roscommon it's quicker to go through Leitrim through Carrick on Shannon either via
Drumshanbo - Dowra - Enniskillen or via Ballinamore - Swanlinbar - Enniskillen

I go up from Boyle every now and again and do it in about an hour and a quarter.

ASTRACLUB · 23-11-2008 07:45PM

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/st...&Submit=GO+%3E
£89.99/107euro

Hmm Which one you going for, Stella one or Guinees!!!

I think this is the best investment!!! I might go for one too!!!!

mailburner · 23-11-2008 07:55PM

ASTRACLUB wrote: »

Hmm Which one you going for, Stella one or Guinees!!!
I think this is the best investment!!! I might go for one too!!!!

stella for me
in the meantime i have my eye on this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300269504882&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:GB:1123
postage is free from N.I
the seller just emailed me to confirm this
same capacity
im torn between stella and this

mailburner · 23-11-2008 07:57PM

Hi Liam,

the manufacturers of this product have a distribution centre in Northern Ireland so I can get one to you at no extra cost.

I will check stock with them on Monday.

Thanks for your enquiry.

Kind Regards,

Matthew Sharp

got this an hour ago

mailburner wrote: »

stella for me
in the meantime i have my eye on this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300269504882&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:GB:1123
postage is free from N.I
the seller just emailed me to confirm this
same capacity
im torn between stella and this

kleefarr · 23-11-2008 08:08PM

I have just said to my wife that I think it would be worth our while making a trip up there to do our shopping for Christmas. I told her to make a list of everything that we would need over the Christmas period and we'll go up.

We're in Kilkenny and I think I could get up there and back on a tank of petrol. Would it be worth it? Where should we head for?

Morgans · 23-11-2008 08:17PM

I'd advise on avoiding newry. Call into Banbridge outlet centre for clothes/presents etc (12 miles further on the Belfast Road)

If you have room in the car you are driving up in, think about having a look at ikea.co.uk for ideas if you need any small furniture - you might as well make use of the facility if you are up in the north - and do the grocery shop in Sainsbury's across the way from Ikea in Belfast.

If not needing to go to ikea, then sprucefield would be the best spot for the groceries.

Of course, my two cents only.

irishguy · 23-11-2008 09:02PM

There is a huge tesco in banbridge (nearly as big a dundrum). I found them cheaper than Sainsburys (Also its the same stuff as you get in Tesco here so it makes shopping easier). You can also collect your clubcard points and they leave you pay in euro on your credit card (exchange rate was just under 1% worse than AIB,Dublin)

felinefeelins · 23-11-2008 09:08PM

rainbowtrout wrote: »

If you're going from Roscommon it's quicker to go through Leitrim through Carrick on Shannon either via
Drumshanbo - Dowra - Enniskillen or via Ballinamore - Swanlinbar - Enniskillen

I go up from Boyle every now and again and do it in about an hour and a quarter.

cheers, just up the road from you, so twud only be @ an hour n a quater

ASTRACLUB · 23-11-2008 09:31PM

stella for me
in the meantime i have my eye on this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...:X:RTQ:GB:1123
postage is free from N.I
the seller just emailed me to confirm this
same capacity
im torn between stella and this

Go for this one, Arogos one only have 2 compartment and this one is a better combination,

ASTRACLUB · 23-11-2008 09:35PM

We're in Kilkenny and I think I could get up there and back on a tank of petrol. Would it be worth it? Where should we head for?

My choice as this is your first trip:

Leave very early in morning and straight to IKEA, Get a big car, the biggest...
Spend IKEA till midnoon, get out from IKEA and across the road is Sainsbury, spend couple of hours and come back to OUTLET on the way back and spend say till 6 or 7 and take a journey back when it is dark and enjoy the drive (In day, you will see extra traffic)
If you love boozing, Sainsbury NEWRY has all the offers some of which are not available in other sainsbury.
Dont miss IKEA, IKEA is great!!!!!!!!!!

brettmirl · 23-11-2008 10:44PM

kleefarr wrote: »

I have just said to my wife that I think it would be worth our while making a trip up there to do our shopping for Christmas. I told her to make a list of everything that we would need over the Christmas period and we'll go up.

We're in Kilkenny and I think I could get up there and back on a tank of petrol. Would it be worth it? Where should we head for?

Yeah you'd make it up and back no bother. Did the trip up and back from KK myself a few weeks back.

Get up as early as you can! Aim to be there for 8am or so. Head for the Outlet - http://www.the-outlet.co.uk/

And for food shopping, head for Sainsburys in Lisburn. Which also has an Argos and a toy shop beside it. Across the road is http://www.sprucefieldcentre.co.uk/

If you are buying food, pick up some of those insulated bags you can get at Superquinn and Lidl...they will keep the food chilled for the spin home.

mailburner · 23-11-2008 11:01PM

I dunno
the ebay one seems to be more for wine drinkers
or cans
im a corona or tiger man

ASTRACLUB wrote: »

Go for this one, Arogos one only have 2 compartment and this one is a better combination,

ala4now · 23-11-2008 11:06PM

It would be insane NOT to shop in Newry. Every single item you'll Buy will be cheaper than down here. Before you go, make a list of all the things you want. Now tear the list in half and Give one half to your wife and keep the other half. Get two Shopping trolleys and get shopping. Buy bulk. theres no point in buying one or two items here and there. Imagine the ice age is coming. thats how much you've got to shop. check out Sainsbury's web site and superquinns website. Compare prices and see where you can save mega bucks. Buy spirits (huge price difference). Go to Debenhams for clothes and M & S. you'll save Hundreds. Unfortunately those very shops are ripping us off down here. For a Jumper £22 €74?????? Go on a Monday early. Hope this helps. Enjoy.

muffler · 23-11-2008 11:39PM

Dont know if this has been mentioned before or not but another wee tip is that if you are in NI. shopping and you had intended to get something from Aldi or Lidl then please it get in the north as it will be around 10 - 15% cheaper.

In fact the stores located in the border towns will even accept euro.

Dooish · 24-11-2008 12:23AM

ASTRACLUB wrote: »

CASE1:
As i am in Navan, lads were saying EnnisK ASDA is cheaper and good. so, went there, left around 12 (its 4 weeks ago) on saturday, reached there 13:00, found the size very small. Went in and found everything not as cheap as i was expecting but yes, clothing is different in quality, tried some booze but was not very much impressed. Got bored and got out in half an hour. Decided to go to NEWRY..another hour and was in NEWRY, for some reasons could not go to sainsbury (Car sunroof malfunctioned) and return empty hand with subway meal :pac::pac:

Case2: On the way to IKEA very next week, spent day in IKEA, bought bunk bed, great quality, than straight to Sainsbury across the IKEA..near roundabout, bought E288 worth booze (Sol, Corona, Cobra, Bacardi) and some clothings, all toys were half price so bought few good ones. however, found few brand less than you find in NEWRY Sainsbury

Concluion: ASDA EnnisK is smaller, Sainsbury are better and cheaper. NEWRY SAINSBURY, (though packed) but has all the booze brand and more offers just beacuse NEWRY Sainsbury has the highest revenue of any sainsbury in the world (Irish Politicians..take a note,,this money could have been spent in EIRE...stop greed) and has more offers.
One of my friend told me that ASDA in STRABAN is 4 times bigger in size than in EnnisK, so will try that.
Heading off to richersound and sainsbury next sat.

Conclusion

asda cheaper than sainsbury for the last 11 years

enniskillen is the biggest in NI

ShaunC · 24-11-2008 02:21AM

I have to agree with that, I went to ASDA this weekend and after doing our shopping we compaired the prices to TESCO at home and after spending 220 pounds it worked out we saved about €135.00. petrol cost €18 for the return trip to Enniskillen from Mullingar. P.S. there is a great bookshop opposite woolworths.

northdubgal · 24-11-2008 10:27AM

Hi all,

We are heading up tomorrow morning for our grocery shopping. We always go to Sainsburys in Newry but we were wondering if Asda would be cheaper?

Which would you choose Asda or Sainsbury's and which town would you go to?

oconn · 24-11-2008 11:08AM

information overload......maybe this is already listed but we are having our first baby in feb ( if not sooner :pac: ) so would it be woth heading up from corkk to get pram/ buggie / cot / mosses basket etc etc ( I dont even know what i need) but i presume the like of mothercare would be better value even allowing for a big drive, Where is the nearest place i can get all these things Newry ? I priced one buggy here was E730 and in England E585
I dont mind the drive if i know im saving....
thanks

dunser · 24-11-2008 11:09AM

Hi

Can anyone advise on TVs, I am looking at buying a new LCD about 37 or 42 inch and if I buy up north as the Prices are better will i have any problem setting up here.

can any one recommend good place to buy aswell

andyeire · 24-11-2008 11:12AM

northdubgal wrote: »

Hi all,

We are heading up tomorrow morning for our grocery shopping. We always go to Sainsburys in Newry but we were wondering if Asda would be cheaper?

Which would you choose Asda or Sainsbury's and which town would you go to?

http://www.mysupermarket.co.ukThis site allows you to do direct comparisons between shops.

I would think Asda is best but YMMV.

If you are in North Dublin Enniskillen is probably the one to go for .

Shopping in Northern Ireland

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