TRENDS AND INSIGHTS Spend at fashion businesses in Ireland on the rise, Visa data finds

Spending at fashion businesses in Ireland rose by 3% in August compared to the previous month, according to newly released cardholder data1 from Visa, Title Sponsor of Ireland Fashion Week, which kicks off next month (Oct 6th – 10th).

Highlighting the fashion sector’s role as an important contributor to the Irish economy, the Visa data also shows an overall increase in spend of 3% at fashion businesses in Ireland year-on-year (August 2025, versus August 2024). Women’s accessories and sports apparel were found to be two of the fastest-growing fashion sub-sectors over the past 12 months, according to cardholder data. 

Online preferred way to shop for fashion

While spending is on the rise at Irish fashion businesses, the way in which consumers are shopping for fashion is also changing, according to Visa, with digital channels playing a central role in growth. 

A consumer survey commissioned by Visa ahead of Ireland Fashion Week found that two-thirds (62%) of respondents choose to shop online for convenience. Additionally, 37% prefer it over in-store shopping as it allows them to avoid crowds and queues. 

The Visa-commissioned survey found that online shopping habits are also linked to consumers’ values. Among surveyed respondents, 44% said they deliberately choose to shop online from small Irish fashion brands, rather than international ones, to support local jobs and communities.

Consumers using AI and social media to find fashion

The Visa survey also indicates that digitalisation is changing how shoppers discover and interact with fashion brands. Over half (56%) of surveyed shoppers discover new fashion labels through search engines, online browsing, and social media platforms, highlighting the importance of having a strong online presence.

Emerging technologies were also found to be influencing online shopping, with 12% of surveyed shoppers already using AI tools to search for or compare fashion products, and a further 32% interested in trying AI to enhance their shopping experience.

More than half (55%) of respondents surveyed by Visa prefer to shop directly on a brand’s website. Meanwhile, security and trust were found to be top priorities, with more than half (59%) of surveyed shoppers looking out for secure payment options like Visa, alongside clear return and refund policies (58%) and fast delivery options (55%) when shopping online.

Supporting local, buying Irish

Overall, the survey by Visa indicated strong and proactive support for Irish fashion brands; 41% of surveyed respondents say it’s important that the fashion items they purchase come from Irish-owned brands. Of those, 14% say it’s very important and actively seek them out.

When it comes to supporting small and medium-sized Irish fashion brands, almost a quarter (24%) of those surveyed said they prefer to buy from them over large Irish or international fashion chains.

In addition, almost two-thirds of Visa survey respondents (61%) have made a purchase from a small Irish-owned fashion brand in the past year. On average, those surveyed were found to spend €87.80 per month on fashion, with the vast majority (82%) spending up to €150 per month.

About Ireland Fashion Week Powered by Visa

As the title sponsor of Ireland Fashion Week, Visa aims to bring global recognition, industry expertise, and elevated opportunity to one of Ireland’s highly anticipated cultural events.  As a global leader in digital payments, Visa empowers small businesses to get online, accept and send digital payments and attract a nationwide or even international customer base - all important components to help designers grow and prosper. Visa’s commitment to innovation, and its alignment with Ireland Fashion Week, signals a shared commitment to progress, and the celebration of Irish creative talents.

References:

¹The Visa data cited in this article combines cardholder transaction information together with a Visa commissioned consumer survey designed to demonstrate the strength of the local fashion sector and ecommerce opportunities for fashion businesses in Ireland.

About the Visa Cardholder Data:

VisaNet figures compare card spending during the periods of August 2024 to August 2025 and July 2025 to August 2025.

About the Visa commissioned research:

Visa Europe commissioned research among 1,000 adults aged 18+ to explore consumer behaviour in Ireland relating to fashion retail and supporting local creatives and entrepreneurs. The research was carried out via an online survey by iReach on behalf of Visa between 21st and 28th August 2025 and conducted across an even gender split, providing insights into consumer behaviour in the digital age.    

The iReach Consumer Decisions Omnibus delivers a high level of statistical accuracy. Delivering a sample size of over 1,000 interviews, this provides a confidence level of + or – 2.5% at a 95% confidence interval.

Disclaimer:

Case studies, statistics, research and recommendations are provided “AS IS” and intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for operational, marketing, legal, technical, tax, financial or other advice. Visa Inc. does not make any warranty or representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the Information within this document, nor assume any liability or responsibility that may result from reliance on such Information. The Information contained herein is not intended as legal advice, and readers are encouraged to seek the advice of a competent legal professional where such advice is required.