Average household spending on Christmas in Ireland is expected to reach €1,600 this year, marking a 3% increase from 2024, according to Retail Ireland. The figure, which is in addition to everyday household expenses, aligns roughly with the rate of inflation.
Arnold Dillon, director at Retail Ireland, which is part of Ibec, described the increase as a sign of resilience rather than significant growth in the retail sector. “That maybe is reflective of some of the challenges that have been out there,” Dillon said, pointing to persistent cost pressures in supply chains and on businesses themselves. He also highlighted that consumer sentiment has remained below historical levels over the past year.
Dillon noted that earlier concerns about US tariffs’ impact on the Irish economy had weighed on shoppers’ confidence, but as those worries appear less severe than feared, he hoped it might support stronger spending next year.
Combined, household Christmas spending represents more than €9 billion flowing into the Irish economy in December alone, according to Ibec. The group emphasized the importance of the festive period not only for retailers but also for sectors such as leisure and hospitality.
The Retail Ireland survey found that shopping habits remained broadly stable compared with last year, with over a third of adults waiting until December to make their main purchases. Among last-minute shoppers, men aged 55 and over were the most likely to delay, with a third citing habit or tradition, and nearly a quarter saying they had only a few items to buy. Dillon said the final days before Christmas were typically the busiest trading period. “Probably the last couple of days would have been the most significant and the largest trading days of the year,” he said, noting a noticeable boost in sales as many people took time off work.
The survey also pointed to shifts in shopping behaviour. The rise of remote work has affected footfall in town centres, contributing to increased online shopping. Consumers are also becoming more deliberate in their spending, researching products extensively before purchase. Dillon highlighted the growth of the “precision shopper” this year, with many using online tools—including artificial intelligence—to plan purchases and then completing transactions in-store.
“These shoppers arrive with a very clear list of what they want to buy,” Dillon said, underscoring how the post-Covid retail landscape continues to evolve. Retailers have adapted to these changes, offering information and services both online and in stores to meet demand from more informed consumers.
The combination of resilient spending, last-minute shopping surges, and the rise of research-driven purchases shows the evolving nature of Ireland’s Christmas retail season, highlighting the period’s critical role in the wider economy.
