Visa reports growth in DIY spend over Easter weekend

High Easter spend on DIY as homeowners invest in their properties to capitalise on house price boom

Growth in consumer spending at UK DIY and household stores on Visa cards was up over 6% during the Easter weekend compared to 2013 as homeowners continued to invest in their properties, buoyed by the strong housing market.

Almost £210 million was spent over the four day weekend compared to around £196 million during Easter 2013. The figure was 17% higher than during Easter 2012.

Each day of the Easter weekend saw growth in spending compared to previous years. Easter Saturday was the busiest day, with over £70 million spent on Visa cards, while Easter Monday saw a particularly sharp jump of 11% growth from last year.

Overall, DIY spending on Visa cards is 10% higher to date in 2014 than it was at the same date last year, despite the late Easter. More than £1 in every £3 spent in the UK is now spent using Visa.

Natasha Toothill, Director of Retailer Engagement at Visa Europe, commented: "The strong DIY spend over Easter signals two things: the continued overall recovery in consumer confidence and spending; and further evidence of homeowners investing in their properties to capitalise on a buoyant housing market.”

Source : Visa Europe
www.visaeurope.com/en/newsroom/news/articles/2014/high_easter_spend_uk.aspx