The public sector strike has provided a boost for shops across the border in Newry.
There were long tailbacks of traffic heading into the town and to the local shopping centres this afternoon.
It is thought of those in Newry were on strike or are parents with children who were forced to take the day off school.
The exodus of shoppers may cause some embarrassment for unions, which said up to 250,000 teachers, nurses and other public sector workers were taking part in the strike against the plans of the Government to cut their pay.
The managers of shopping centres on the northern side of the border said business was similar to weekend or pre-Christmas peaks.
Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, manager of Buttercrane Shopping Centre Peter Murray said: '(It) is a direct result of the day of (strike) action. There are no strike specials.'
Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin has said anyone who chose to shop north of the border today should reflect on the damage they are doing to the economy.
Ms Hanafin said she understood that everyone was currently seeking the best value when doing their shopping but people should think of the consequences when deciding where to go.
