Stores in cities and towns across the country have reported devastating sales figures in early December.

Retailers are hoping to rake in around a billion Euro as they try to make up for big losses, sales are down on last years.

However, Retail Excellence Ireland says yesterday saw a 20% increase on the same day last year.

The post Christmas sales are continuing today after a busy day in the shops yesterday which saw some people queue for as long as 3 hours before doors opened.

Retail Excellence Ireland says yesterday saw a 20% increase on the same day last year.

Many shops are slashing prices by up to 70 percent in a bid to improve the overall Christmas figures.

People queueing yesterday morning outside Brown Thomas before it opened

With most sales now underway, or due to get started in the next couple of days, retailers are hoping for a boost.

David Fitzsimons, Chief Executive of Retail Excellence Ireland says it's especially important for smaller retailers