Caption: A scene from last year's celebrations in New York City

With many expecting a weekend of celebrating for St Patrick's tomorrow (17th March) how many of you are opening and taking advantage of some extra business?

Retailers reports suggest an expected boost from high street sales this St Patrick's and Mother's Day bank holiday weekend.

A new survey shows 70% of stores in Dublin alone are set to stay open on St Patrick's Day. In previous years, many more stores would have closed for the day because of poor sales prospects.

Retail Ireland Director Stephen Lynam said that most retailers around the country will open on St Patrick's Day.

A new survey of 27 of the biggest stores in Dublin city centre conducted by the Dublin Business Improvement District (BID) shows that all the shopping centres will open, as will 70% of the businesses surveyed.

"Traditionally the large crowds in the city centre on the day itself are there for the festivities rather than shopping. The fact that St Patrick's Day is a Saturday, usually the busiest shopping day of the week, and falls the day before Mothers Day has encouraged retailers to open their doors, with some extending their opening hours," said Mr Lynam.

So what are you going to follow suit? 

As a business owner, you could genuinely make some extra by working a day extra for St Patrick's Day... and if not, go and enjoy the weekend and give the local economy a boost!