Cavan shoppers have splurged the most in the run up to this Christmas, according to Bank of Ireland figures that show spending nationally in the first two weeks of December was up 8 per cent on the same time last year.
Credit and debit card data from December the 1st to 14th show that people in Cavan spent 11 per cent more than over the same time last year, the biggest jump of any county.
This was followed by shoppers in Donegal, Kildare and Longford, who all posted 9 per cent increases, and 8 per cent hikes recorded in Dublin, Galway and Waterford.
People in Carlow kept the tightest rein on shopping this year, as spending in the county only increased by 4 per cent compared to last year.
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Nationally, social spending rose by 7 per cent in the first two weeks of December compared to 2022, while retail spending was up 4 per cent.
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Restaurants and pubs have seen a 10 per cent and 7 per cent boost in spending respectively compared to last year, while money spent in beauty spas rose by 9 per cent.
Cinema spending jumped by 65 per cent compared to last December, while toy spending increased by 9 per cent.
Looking at different age groups, spending among 18- to 25-year-olds has increased the most since the same two weeks last December, rising by 11 per cent.
This was followed by a 10 per cent spending rise among 36- to 45-year-olds, and an 8 per cent increase for those aged 26-35.
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Internationally, card spending in Portugal by Bank of Ireland customers was 18 per cent higher in the first two weeks of December than over the same period last year, while spending in Spain was up 10 per cent.
Jilly Clarkin, head of customer journeys and SME markets at Bank of Ireland, said that, for businesses nationwide, “it’s great to see a jump in spending as consumers get a head start on their Christmas shopping”.
“Cavan households can look forward to a bumper Christmas judging by a significant yearly increase – whilst those living in Carlow must hope that their families and friends are holding back for a dash to the shops closer to Christmas Day,” she said.
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