Poll shows more people intend shopping across the border this year

The numbers of people heading North for their Christmas shopping is set to increase this year.
That’s according to new research from AA Travel Insurance.
Of the 11,500 people surveyed almost 18 per cent said they were planning to do so this year – that’s up two per cent from this time last year.
The main reasons given for visiting Northern Ireland are to shop for alcohol, groceries and gifts in advance of Christmas.
The poll, which asked a series of questions in line with those asked this time last year, indicates that despite a 14% increase in the price of unleaded petrol and a 16% increase in diesel year on year, the lure of cheaper prices is still tempting many people to head across the border to save on their Christmas shopping bill.
While cross border traffic between counties such as Donegal and Derry remains high, the poll suggests that  more people are considering more frequent shopping trips across the border if the anticipated 2% increase in VAT is imposed in next month’s budget.
The AA Travel Insurance poll also suggests that those planning to do some Christmas shopping further afield has dropped marginally year on year from 12% to 11%.