Christmas shopping in Cork is taking on a continental feel this year as Debenhams reveals its brand new shopping experience inspired by the iconic Christmas markets across Europe.
The market, which is on the first floor of the Patrick Street Debenhams, brings all the excitement and fun of the famous festivals to local shoppers, without the cold and threat of rain or snow.
Joe O’Leary, store manager at Debenhams Cork, said: “We wanted to create somewhere special for shoppers that would get them in the Christmas mood and give them a relaxing environment to browse our extensive gift offering.”
Open from now until Christmas, the specially designed area comprises of huts that house gifts arranged by the interests of the recipient to make finding the perfect present even easier. Themes include Dude Food, Live Well, Coffee Connoisseur, Dapper Gent, Retro Arcade, Pink Pineapple, Academy of Colour and Snuggle Me.
Gifts on offer include:
- Hot night-in sets, including The Snaffling Pig Co. Meat and Heat, €22.50 and Mexican style sauce and seasoning selection (set of 12), €22.50
- Mr Men and Little Miss mugs, travel mugs and water bottles from €12
- Retro games, including the Street Fighter arcade machine €600
- Snuggle worthy animal friends, including Llama slippers, Unicorn travel pillows and Jellycat Perry polar bear,€37.50
Adding to the experience, a personalised gift boxing service will be available from just €4.50. The service aims to make gift giving easier than ever this year by presenting gifts in a stylish black and gold gift box, complete with a ribbon, stickers and a personal message.
The idea of Christmas markets during the Winter months started in Vienna in the late thirteenth century when Emperor Albert I granted shopkeepers the rights to hold a market, so that people could stock up on supplies to last through the cold months. Similar events began to pop up across Europe. Over time, local families began selling baskets, toys, and wood carvings, alongside others selling almonds, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread. These were often bought as gifts to give away at Christmas, leading to the markets being renamed Christmas markets.
The first dedicated Christmas market is thought to have been in Germany in the early 1300s.
“We understand that Christmas shopping can be stressful but with our new markets, we plan to bring a bit of festive cheer to those ‘doing a bit of Debenhams’.”
