According to payments technology company Visa Europe, tomorrow, Wednesday the 23rd of December is set to be the busiest in-store shopping day this Christmas.
Visa Europe based its predictions on up-to-the-minute spending data and Christmas spending trends from previous years. Conor Langford, Ireland Country Manager at Visa Europe, said; "Irish retailers will benefit from a last minute rush of shoppers who still have gifts and groceries to purchase for Christmas.
"The rise in spending reflects the increased level of consumer confidence, and this will result in a vital boost for the retail sector at a crucial time of year."
It is expected that Irish consumers are set to spend €150 million with Visa cards - a 10% increase on last year's figures.
Elsewhere, Retail Excellence Ireland (REI) says the country's retailers are set to celebrate the best Christmas period in eight years, with an expected trade increase of 3-5% on last year. This comes as a result of the inclement weather having a negative effect on on-street retail nationwide, pushing consumers into more traditional retail spaces.
According to REI, there has been an "exponential increase in online sales this year", which was kick-started by the biggest Black Friday and Cyber Monday ever in late November.
With many workers being paid on Friday 18th, REI believes that a lot of consumers will be buying last minute presents right up until Christmas Eve.
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Niall Swan
