Over the past number of months Derry businesses have been reporting a marked upturn in Cross Border trade. The weak Euro, coupled with the fact that the current economic climate is encouraging consumers to get the best value for their money has meant that more and more consumers are travelling from south to north to buy essentials such as food and clothes. This coupled with the fact that less of our northern consumers are crossing the border to spend in the eurozone can only be good news for businesses in the northern part of the island.

Fergal Rafferty Manager of the Richmond Centre Shopping Centre in the city commented "Businesses in Derry are making every effort to welcome Euro shoppers. Since the increase in Euro value of around 20% at the beginning of 2008, shops in the Richmond Centre have noticed a steady increase of Euro customers". He continued "Today's consumers are very price conscious and the latest shopping survey highlights the huge variance in cross border prices. Many traders are also giving favourable rates for Euro so there is an added opportunity for shoppers to make significant savings in their weekly shopping". He concluded, "On average consumers from the South could save at least 30% by shopping in the North."

Janice Tracey, the Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce agrees with Mr Rafferty saying, "located close to the border, businesses in Derry are only too aware of the vagaries that are part and parcel of the currency differentials in this part of the world." She continued, "There is an opportunity for our retailers to encourage and maximise the amount of cross border trade they get, however it would be unwise for any business to build its forward plan on the current situation. Its not too long ago that the shoe was on the other foot. It's a case of making hay while the sun shines but be ready for when the rain comes."