Laois people are spending more on clothes, takeaways, fast food and hardware now than at the same period last year – a report by AIB has found.
The data has been compiled from over one million AIB debit and credit card transactions between May 18 and June 14, and has been anonymised and aggregated.
Consumers in Laois spent an average of €66 per transaction in clothing stores, up €12 from an average of €48 before stores closed.
Separately, consumers are now spending €66 on clothing, up €12, €20 on fast food, an increase of €5, €33 on takeaways, up €6, and €115 on hardware/garden supplies, up €7.
While the average transaction amounts for each are higher over phase one and two than prior to the restrictions coming into place.
While the busiest day of shopping in Laois was May 29 – the Friday before the June Bank Holiday weekend.
Speaking about the data, Rachel Naughton, Head of SME Banking at AIB said: “Our data reveals some interesting insights into how consumers are behaving as businesses emerge from lockdown.
“The busiest day for instore clothes shopping was the Friday that restrictions were lifted, which shows the level of demand was building up among consumers.
“We can see positive signs of recovery so far. Hopefully this trend will continue as other sectors gradually reopen and consumers resume spending again.’
“With the volume of transactions still down on previous levels, support for our SMEs is vital now more than ever. As Irish businesses reopen it’s imperative that we shop local to back our SMEs who are the lifeblood of our communities.
“SMEs must consider what their financial needs are and determine the most appropriate supports available to them. As Ireland’s largest retail bank, AIB is on hand to support our customers through this difficult period, and will work with them in order to ensure they have the support they need.”
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