Shops closed before Christmas – unthinkable!

	What a contrast, whilst every shop in Manchester would have been open yesterday. In Orihuela just half a dozen took advantage of the fact that it was el Día de la Constitución, one of the few Sundays when they could be opened. Eroski and Ociopia were the main exceptions; they will both be closed on Tuesday for the festival of Inmaculada Concepción.
	Of course this is another Catch 22 situation, if few shops are open, few shoppers will bother going out so sales for those that are open will be sluggish. The situation in Orihuela was in direct contrast to that at McArthur Glenn Outlet Village where we visited yesterday. The huge complex was crowded out with shoppers eager to bag a bargain in preparation for Christmas.