Over 80 million card transactions processed by AIB in May - AIB Spending Pattern Report
In the latest scoop from AIB Spend Trend for May, we're seeing a whopping 9% yearly boost and a 2% monthly uptick in overall spending! This is quite a remarkable increase compared to the same period in 2024, pointing towards a rock-solid consumer confidence.
The figures for May even set a new record, with an jaw-dropping 80 million online and in-store transactions by AIB customers, which is a testament to the escalating consumer activity.
As for the spending breakdown, it's no surprise that grocery bills are on the rise, as they've gone up by 8% yearly. That inflation, along with increased consumer spending, is the main culprit here, according to AIB Head of Consumer Adrian Moynihan.
But wait, there's more! The warm weather and exciting events played a significant role in enhancing spending last month. For instance, ticket transactions on the 30th exceeded the average by a colossal 76%, as Metallica tickets for their 2026 concert went on sale.
When it comes to groceries, it's not just the everyday essentials that are flying off the shelves. People aged between 35 and 44 represented just over a quarter of the spending on clothes, and females accounted for almost three quarters of all purchases in this category.
Now, let's take a closer look at the geographical distribution. Residents of Cavan splurged the most on clothes per transaction, topping the charts at €72.59. On the other hand, folks in Westmeath seem to be keeping their wallets closed, as they spent the least at €58.94.
Here are some interesting tidbits from data not explicitly mentioned in the article:
- The surge in spending was not limited to the leisure and hospitality sectors; earlier reports showed double-digit growth in pet shops and supplies, as well as in grocery and instore retail[2]. However, for May 2025, the main drivers were the leisure and hospitality sectors, spurred by seasonal demand and higher transaction activity[1][4].
- The increase in spending on clothes wasn't just confined to May; expenditure on fashion items shot up by 8% when compared to April 2025[3].
- Reports from previous quarters also highlighted a growing tendency among consumers to spend more on experiences rather than material possessions, as the demand for leisure and hospitality experiences soared[1].
The surge in overall spending points towards a growing interest in technology-driven business solutions, as AIB Head of Consumer Adrian Moynihan noted an increased expenditure on online transactions.
Moreover, the boost in spending on clothing indicates a shift towards finance-driven personal decisions, with a significant percentage of the spending on clothes coming from individuals aged between 35 and 44, demonstrating a preference for financial investments over physical possessions.
