Surge In "New Year, New You" Spending

Thursday, 25 January 2024 16:50

That's according to new figures released by Bank of Ireland.

"New Year, New You" spending has shot up.

Analysis by Bank of Ireland has found spending on gyms in January is up by 17%, while it's up 40% on sports clubs.

Westmeath saw one of the largest increases in consumer spending when compared to last January, with an increase of nine percent.

That figure in Laois is 7%, while it's 6% in Offaly.

Movie-lovers flocked to the cinema, with big-screen spending rising 32% as Irish actors earned international recognition for their performances.

Jilly Clarkin, Head of Customer Journeys & SME Markets at Bank of Ireland says:

"New Year, New You has definitely taken off for many, with a significant year on year spike in spending on gyms and sports clubs.

But spending in the first two weeks of January is actually a mixed picture, as consumers also sought to keep the festive spirit alive and enjoyed themselves in pubs and restaurants.

It will be interesting to see if the focus on health and fitness turns out to be a marathon or a sprint, and will those best intentions fall by the wayside as the year progresses?"