Visa data reveals clear split between weekday e-commerce activity and weekend in-store spending, with fashion, grocery and electronics purchases following distinct patterns.
Irish consumers are increasingly shopping online during the working week, but physical stores remain at the heart of the country’s retail economy.
Analysis of card spending patterns by Visa shows that while e-commerce activity continues to grow, in-store spending still accounts for the vast majority of retail transactions across Ireland.
“This latest data highlights how shoppers are seamlessly blending online convenience with in-store experiences”
More than 80% of online retail spending takes place between Monday and Friday, with Thursday emerging as the busiest day for online shopping, accounting for more than 16% of total e-commerce spend.
The new rhythm of Irish shopping revealed
The findings also highlight the enduring appeal of physical shopping. On a typical day in 2026, there are around six times more in-store transactions than online transactions, a figure that rises to between seven and eight times more on Saturdays.
The data shows that shopping habits vary considerably by retail category.
Online grocery shopping is strongest during the latter half of the working week, particularly on Thursdays and Fridays, while in-store grocery spending reaches its highest levels on Saturdays as consumers stock up for the weekend.
Fashion spending is heavily concentrated around weekends, with one-third of all spending in the category taking place on Saturdays and Sundays. Online fashion purchases peak on Sunday evenings, with shoppers most active at around 9pm.
Electronics shopping follows a different pattern, with consumers most likely to make online purchases during the working week. Friday mornings between 10am and 11am emerge as the busiest period for online electronics spending.
“Irish consumers have embraced the speed, choice and convenience of online shopping, particularly during busy working days,” said Conor Langford, Ireland country manager at Visa. “However, what stands out is the continued importance of in-store shopping in supporting local businesses and communities across Ireland.
“At Visa, we’re focused on helping businesses of all sizes, especially small and local retailers, access the tools and technology they need to thrive, enabling them to offer seamless, secure payment experiences both in-store and online.”
The figures point to a retail landscape where consumers are increasingly combining digital convenience with physical shopping experiences.
“Ireland’s retail sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability, evolving in line with changing consumer behaviours while remaining a vital contributor to the economy and local communities,” said Jean McCabe, CEO of Retail Ireland.
“This latest data highlights how shoppers are seamlessly blending online convenience with in-store experiences. Card payments play a critical role in enabling this flexibility – helping retailers of all sizes deliver secure, seamless transactions and meet customers wherever and whenever they choose to shop.”
The report also identifies notable regional differences in spending behaviour.
Clare, Cork and Dublin are Ireland’s most e-commerce-focused counties, with approximately 19% of total retail spending taking place online.
Consumers in Dublin, Kildare and Meath are among the most weekend-focused shoppers, with around 31% of spending occurring on Saturdays and Sundays.
In contrast, shoppers in counties such as Roscommon, Carlow and Westmeath continue to favour local and in-store spending, with more than 83% of retail expenditure taking place in person. The findings underline the importance of local retailers and town-centre businesses in smaller communities across the country.
The analysis is based on VisaNet card spending data covering the January to March period between 2020 and 2026.
Top image: A model turns Black Friday green in a shop window photo-call to mark the launch of Green Friday campaign by Champion Green
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