GAME ON FOR CHRISTMAS SAVINGS

It’s been a difficult period for video game retailer Game – but that hasn’t stopped it offering a host of savings to its online customers via 5hop5.ie.

The firm has cut its revenue forecast, announcing that like-for-like earnings would now be “no better than” a seven per cent fall – this despite previously predicting a three per cent drop at worst. However, in a bid to attract more custom, the retailer that stocks everything you could need for your PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo, has a number of offers available now in the Game voucher codes section.

From Batman to dancing

Perhaps the most appealing element of the Game offers available at 5hop5.ie is the range of video games that there are offers available for. Here are some examples:

-      Forza Motorsport 4 available for £39.99 – offer ends November 23, 2011.

-      Gears of War Limited Edition available for £59.99 – offer ends November 23, 2011.

-      Batman: Arkham City from £37.99 – offer ends December 2, 2011.

-      Just Dance 3 from £24.99 – offer ends December 2, 2011.

There are a number of other offers available too – including reduced prices on the video game Battlefield 3 and some KILLER console deals.

New releases

According to industry analysts, the poor performance by Game is largely due to a lack of new hardware releases this year. Software releases have been going well but with no new hardware coming through and a weakened consumer market, the company has faced some trouble.

However, the Christmas trading period is traditionally it’s most busy – so the message to consumers is to grab these offers now to ensure you’re not disappointed.

FANTASTIC DEALS FOR UFC FIGHT FANS

In the world of sport, fight fans have always had their mainstays – from the hard-hitting action of boxing; to the spectacle of professional wrestling. However, the growth in popularity of mixed marital arts (MMA) has threatened to knockout the traditional big hitters – and now you can get in on the action.

Back in 2006, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) broke the pay-per-view industry’s all-time records for a single year of business – surpassing both WWE and boxing. Its expansion has continued at an incredible rate internationally over the last five years, and it regularly runs shows in the UK.

Deals worth fighting for

Whether you plan to sit ringside, or you just want to cheer on the likes of Brock Lesnar or Frank Mir from home, you can do so in some official UFC merchandise which is now available at hugely discounted prices.

5hop5.ie has a UFC discount code section, listing some incredible offers from the UFC Official Web Store. Among the offers currently available are:

-      Twenty per cent off UFC apparel (discount code expires on December 12, 2011).

-      Two for $40 on UFC T-shirts (discount code expires on December 9, 2011).

-      Free shipping on orders of $99 or more at the UFC Web Store (discount code expires on December 2, 2011).

UFC on Fox

The UFC recently secured a huge deal with American television network Fox. The debut show, from Anaheim, California, takes place this weekend – on Saturday, November 12.

The show will be a one-hour special headlined by Cain Valasquez versus Junior dos Santos for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. 

NEXT THRIVES WITH ONLINE SALES

Has there ever been a clearer indication of the success of online shopping than with the growth of UK fashion retailer Next?

The company is sticking with its full-year profit forecast even though it has suffered a fall in sales at its high street business. That’s because this slump has been offset by the growth of its home shopping business.

Success story

The Next online business is a true success story. Despite running more than 500 stores across Britain and Ireland, Next saw high street sales drop by 3.3 per cent. However, its total sales rose at an annual 3.3 per cent rate over the last three months thanks to the growth of Next Directory – which increased it sales by a whopping 16.9 per cent.

As a result the company has announced that margins and costs are in line with expectations and it is maintaining its sales and profit guidance for the full year. This is in spite of the fact that many retailers are struggling as shoppers’ disposable incomes are squeezed by rising prices, subdued wages growth and a lack of credit.

Next has even gone as far as to suggest it is confident there will be no further increase in selling prices during the first half of the 2012/13 fiscal year.

Sales galore

With Christmas approaching, Next Ireland is keen to attract even more business and as a result is offering a number of new exciting deals and offers through 5hop5.ie. Here is a selection of the current deals:

-      Beautiful home accessories from €13 (offer expires November 19, 2011).

-      Ladies scarves from €11 (offer expires December 9, 2011).

-      Beautiful leather bags from €30 (offer expires December 29, 2011).

STENA LINE SAILING NEW SHIPS TO SCOTLAND

This month sees the arrival of two giant new ferries crossing the Irish Sea. On the 21^st of November 2011, Stena Line will drop anchor on the superfast VII and Superfast VIII on the Belfast to Cairnryan route.

The ships, that boast ten decks and can carry a capacity of 1200 passengers, have an on-board spa where passengers can unwind and relax during the two hours and 15 minute journey. The spa will be free to use for Stena Plus customers, who pay an extra €16 for private lounge access, complimentary food, drinks, a family zone and personal iPads.  Fares on this route start from €95 one-way for car and driver. Be sure to visit 5hop5.ie which lists all the most up to date offers, deals and promotions from Ireland’s biggest retailers and online businesses.  Get yourself a great deal and Stena Line discount code to save you money on your booking.