Irish People Spent €300M Online in 2008!!

Online Shopping grows to €380 million in Ireland and 2008 and set to grow further in 2009. Incredible statistics from Insight through Innovation Survey, iReach Market Research 2009, Life Online and Global Online Survey. Proving that Ireland is spending large amounts online. Not only that but how reliant consumers are on advice they can receive from fellow shoppers and consumers online:

Ireland is ranking 10th in the world for online buyers

69% of Irish people are regular Internet users

90% of consumers believe that they can save money by shopping online

25% of Irish expected to spend more online in 2009

50% of Irish consumers look for advice online before purchasing

1.2 million people are subscribed to broadband in Ireland

€1,700 was the average online spend of an Irish person in 2008

Makes promising reading for online retailers. I am delighted in our further investment in developing and expanding our facilities for consumers and our clients on our new site Talkshop.ie which should be ready to go live next week and our gift site Gifts and Vouchers. So we look forward to welcoming all of these online shoppers to our sites!! With statistics like this, hopefully the future is bright!!

Sian x

Gifts for Her & Gifts for Him

I am always getting asked by friends and family to recommend some gifts for those closest to them. And always top of the list are Gifts for Him and Gifts for Her. So I thought I would do a quick blog of some of my favourite gifts. I have to say one of my favourite gifts from my Husband a few years ago was an adoption of a chimpanzee from Dublin Zoo!! I have always loved monkeys and would love to hold one. You never know I may get to realise this dream eventually. But this was so thoughtful and such a simple present and he brought me to Dublin Zoo on a day trip then with our Son to see the monkeys. Daft I know, but it is the thought that counts!!

Another firm favourite of mine is Newbridge silver. I have so many pieces of Newbridge Jewellery that I could start up my own collection! And this piece I wore on my appearance on Ireland AM. I think they are timeless and add a piece of class to any outfit. And also the fact that they are Irish is an added bonus. I have been receiving Newbridge for years. And along with Brian De Staic is my favourite jewellery. You can keep your Tiffanys. Newbridge and Brian de Staic for me everytime. I think my Husband is glad we moved back North from Killarney as we left Brian De Staic in the South!

Chocolate!!! Every girl loves chocolate. I love nothing more that relaxing in the evening and indulging in some delicious chocolate. I romantically bought my Husband a fabulous chocolate heart last Valentines Day and actually devoured the whole thing. But it was the thought that counted.

So they are some of my favourite gifts and I hope that they might help you.

Sian x

Wonderful Handy Household Products!

We are just delighted to welcome on board our new Partner Business Tidi from Limerick. Most of you will probably recognise most of their products as they are a household name on sale already in top shops in Ireland such as Dunnes Stores and Atlantic. Their products are innovative and once you buy one you will wonder how you survived without it.

They produce items from Sock Savers, Double Laundry Baskets, Sink Bins, Car Bins, to Handbag Organisers and Belt and Tie Hangers. An essential component in every household for the person who likes everything in their place. So if you are looking for ideas for a gift for somebody in their new home or an engagement or wedding present these would make great gifts. Or even as a treat for yourself!!