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Toys are becoming the new toilet paper if queues outside some of the state’s largest toy stores Monday morning were any indication.
The prospect of another lockdown that could force all but non-essential retailers to shut down for weeks had people scrambling to get organized for Christmas sooner than ever. And while the shelves weren’t empty like they were during the spring toilet paper shortage, the demand for toys definitely skyrocketed.
Smyths toy outlets across the country were much busier than usual, with long lines at outlets in Dublin and Cork shopping parks.
Before noon Monday, dozens of anxious-looking parents lined up waiting to get into the store in Carrickmines, Co Dublin, and some shoppers said it was taking them more than 30 minutes to get through the doors.
It was quieter at the sister branch on Jervis Street in Dublin. There were no queues outside the store, although as lunchtime approached and people viewed photos on social media of carry-on luggage in other stores, it definitely got busier.
At 1:00 pm there were long lines at all open payment points, something the staff said was more unusual for a Monday morning in October.
“Today has been very busy and it seems like everyone is shopping for Christmas,” said a staff member. “I think it’s crazy to be honest. There is no need to panic buying, and even if we do have to close, we will continue to operate our click and collect service. ”
The click and collect system allows customers to choose the products they want online and pick them up at a specified time. Operated many Smyths outlets during the last closing.
“I’m shopping for Christmas, okay,” confirmed Jennifer Murray from Dublin, when she seemed overwhelmed by a mountain of board games.
“Normally, I would never do it this early, but I’m afraid the stores will close and stay closed until after Christmas. You never know, right?
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In a statement, Smyths moved to assure customers that there was no need to worry.
“We have good stock levels, and more are arriving every week. We hope that our stores will remain open. Please continue to observe social distancing and wear masks when shopping, ”said a spokeswoman.
While Fiona Ryan, owner of the Little Ones store and littleones.ie website in Ennis, Co Clare, was also confident about the toy supplies she had, she said there was still a high level of uncertainty across the retail sector.
“We just don’t know what is going to happen, and if we will end up closed for weeks or months or what the story will be,” he said.
“Today we had some people in the store. And the website has gone up the walls. ”
Her store specializes in quality traditional wooden toys, including stoves and train sets, and Ms. Ryan said that people were not only buying the larger ticket items, but also stocking up on storage fillers.
“Normally the smaller items are left until much closer to Christmas, but now people are coming in looking to do all their shopping.”
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