The number of customers using discount stores in October was up 8% on the same month last year, as consumers seek out better value in order to counteract the rising cost of living.
While in those stores, customers are spending 9.5% more than they did a year ago, allocating more of their budget to lower cost alternatives, even though those goods may also be increasing in price.
That is according to the latest card spending data from Revolut, which shows the impact that inflation is having on spending patterns.
The data comes ahead of the publication today by the Central Statistics Office of the inflation figures for October.
Last week the Eurostat Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices flash estimate found prices had risen 9.5% in the year to October, up from 8.6% the previous month.
The Revolut data shows that on average, supermarket customers spent 7% more in October than in the same month last year, as the cost of groceries and other essentials rises.
The rising price of fuel also meant that the average customer using a filling station spent 18% more than in the comparable period a year earlier.
"Savvy consumers are swapping regular stores for discount shopping, and more people are choosing the bus, as compared to last year," a Revolut spokesperson said.
However, while the impact of rising prices is apparent in the data, it would appear that consumers continue to spend on discretionary entertainment, experiences and other items.
For example, the amount of money spent in October on airlines and travel agencies by Revolut's two million Irish customers was up a quarter versus the same month in 2021.
The restaurant spend during the month was 4% higher and in theatres it was 5% up, although cinema spending fell by 18% and the volume of customers dropped by a fifth.
"The periods of lockdown gave many consumers a new perspective on their priorities," spokesperson for Revolut said.
"The new priorities include travel, where spending on hotels and airlines continue to increase, and activities for days out, such as museums and theatres."
On average consumers also spent 12% more at clothing stores, an additional 7% at cosmetics stores and 9% at department stores.
But the data also shows decreased spending in some retail segments where there would normally be an uptick at this time of the year.
For example, spending on toys was down by more than a quarter and the volume of shoppers fell by 5%.
10% less was spent in florists, who saw 9% fewer customers, while spending at garden centres decreased by 6% where there was a 2% drop in customers.
