The counties with the biggest increase revealed as spending on bank cards surges

Debit and credit card spending with one of Ireland's main banks was up 13% last month, when compared to the same time last year.

Bank of Ireland debit and credit card spending in November was higher (+13%) than in the same month in 2021. When compared to last year, social spending climbed by 12% and retail spending rose by 10% in November.

The Bank’s spending data has also revealed that shoppers across the country kick-started their Christmas shopping early, with toy purchases in November up 99% on October and perennials like clothing (+37%) and groceries (+15%) also both rising steeply. Shopping across a variety of retail outlets spiked in November, with spending in Electronic (+56%), Furniture (+36%), Department (+32%) and Hardware Stores (+18%) all moving upwards compared to October.  

County-by-county spending in November was very positive, with consumers in Longford (the only negative spending county in October) recording a spending spike of +16%. Major spending rises were also posted in Galway (+12%), Donegal (+10%), Louth (+10%), Clare (+8%) and Meath (+8%) – as spending in each of the 26 counties surged.

And in a timely reminder of where many people’s priorities lie in the lead up to Christmas and the arrival of a certain red-suited gift-giver, card spending in Iceland (+72%), Finland (+54%), Norway (+43%) and Denmark (+32%) all rose higher as trips to Scandinavia proved very popular.

Commenting on November’s spending data, Jilly Clarkin, Head of Customer Journeys & SME Markets at Bank of Ireland said: “Savvy shoppers were quick out of the blocks in November, launching their Christmas shopping plans and working through their lists for their nearest and dearest. Spending in November was stronger than last year, with consumers splashing out on early on their gifts and purchases.”

“November’s positive spending trends can be seen across a range of sectors, and across the age ranges. 46 – 55 year olds recorded a 13% rise, closely followed by 36 - 45 year old’s (+11%) and amongst the 56 – 65 year olds (+11%). The data suggests that after a couple of years where Christmas was curtailed for many due to pandemic restrictions, people are making up for lost time and making sure that Christmas 2022 will be an extra-special one.”