The Small Firms Association has predicted that consumer spending over the Christmas period will hit a record €4 billion, with up to €22m an hour being spent on Christmas Eve.
Director Pat Delaney said this would represent an increase of 10% on last year, equalling levels of growth last seen in 2001 and 2002.
He said strong employment, population growth, low interest rates and a feelgood factor created by the imminent maturity of SSIA accounts would contribute to a record spending Christmas.
Mr Delaney called on people to make a special effort to buy Irish, saying an extra €100 spent on Irish goods would have a significant impact on small business and Irish jobs.
