Austins in Derry was the first-purpose built department store in Ireland. Located in Derry's Diamond, it has been operating since 1907 and employs 60 people.

If the aftermath of the first IRA ceasefire in 1994 is anything to go by, peace should be very beneficial for the family-owned store, says finance director, Mr Declan Hasson.

Christmas 1994, was Austin's best ever, up 14 per cent on its previous best at levels that have not been matched since.

"It would be very conducive to business as visitor numbers to the city would get a big boost. As an old-world department store, we have a lot to offer the visitor," says Mr Hasson.

The store should also benefit from increased demand from people who can see and plan a future in Northern Ireland for the first time as a more stable environment stops the drift from the North that has gone on over the last 30 years.