Retailers expecting biggest Christmas in seven years with household spend expected to be €2,450

A festive retailing boom, fuelled by bargains and rising employment, should ensure the best Christmas in seven years for traders, according to Retail Ireland.

After years of restraint, households are expected to spend an average of €2,450 this December, approximately €600 more than any other month of the year.

Key areas of demand include electronics, fashion, footwear and furniture while growth in other categories such as books, news and stationery and grocery remains weak.