Latest news with #MalcolmCraig
RTÉ News
8 hours ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
Oasis gigs give 'Supersonic' boost to Dublin economy
Online bank Revolut said last weekend's Oasis gigs boosted the Dublin economy with its customers' card spend up 9% compared to the previous weekend, while transactions were up by 8%. Revolut said while consumer spending on public transportation was down 9% across the rest of Ireland, it rose by over 120% in Dublin as Oasis fans descended upon the capital for the two gigs. Taxi drivers also benefited from the two Croke Park concerts, with a 15% uplift in revenues last weekend. Revolut also said that over 16% more was spent in Dublin bars, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs over the weekend compared to the previous one as Oasis fans hit the city. "It's safe to say that Oasis 'Definitely Maybe' gave the Dublin economy a boost last weekend," General Manager at Revolut Bank UAB - Ireland Branch, Malcolm Craig, said. "Consumer spending of this level in just one weekend sends a very strong signal about the confidence of our more than 3 million customers in Ireland," he added.
The Journal
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Journal
‘Supersonic' lift for Dublin economy as Oasis gigs fuel weekend spending surge
DUBLIN CITY SAW a welcome boost to its economy last weekend, as Oasis fans spent big as they poured into the capital for two sold-out Croke Park concerts. Revolut reported that consumer spending in the city jumped by more than nine per cent compared with the previous weekend, while the volume of card transactions rose by over eight per cent. It was the first time in 16 years that the Gallagher brothers had played in Ireland, and the city made the most of the occasion. Spending in Dublin's bars, cafés, restaurants and nightclubs climbed by 16 per cent, while a pop-up Oasis store in St Stephen's Green shopping centre drew long queues of fans looking for merchandise. The store recorded hundreds of thousands of euros in sales and has now extended its run owing to demand. Fans pictured outside the Oasis Live '25 pop up shop at Stephens Green. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Transport operators were also big winners. While public transport spending fell by nine per cent in the rest of the country, it soared by more than 120 per cent in Dublin as fans made their way to and from the concerts. Advertisement Taxi drivers also enjoyed a 15 per cent rise in takings across the weekend. For those who missed out on tickets, there was still a strong party atmosphere. Shop-bought beer, wine and spirits sales in Dublin jumped by more than a third compared with the previous weekend. Revolut data showed that fans aged 25-34 were the biggest spenders, outpacing those now in their 40s and 50s who would have first discovered the band during their heyday in the 1990s. Businesses in the food, drink and tobacco sectors also enjoyed a lift, with Revolut Business customers recording a two per cent increase in revenues. Malcolm Craig, general manager at Revolut Bank UAB Ireland Branch said that Oasis ''Definitely Maybe' gave the Dublin economy a boost last weekend.' 'Consumer spending of this level in just one weekend sends a very strong signal about the confidence of our more than 3 million customers in Ireland,' Craig said. 'Last weekend highlights the value of attracting genuine A-listers to Ireland.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Examiner
18 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Oasis gigs underpin more than 9% rise in card spending
Consumer spending surged in Ireland last weekend as the Manchester-born band Oasis played to two sold-out concerts in Dublin's Croke Park. New data from digital bank Revolut shows Oasis fans continued to spend despite soaring hotel prices and efforts by city centre businesses to cash in on the occasion, with card spending soaring by more than 9% as a result of the two Dublin gigs. Marking the first time in over 16 years since the band played in Ireland, the Oasis gig also underpinned a more than 8% rise in the volume of card transactions, with spending of this magnitude not being witnessed since Taylor Swift performed at the Aviva Stadium in June 2024. In addition, over 16% more was spent in Dublin bars, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs over the weekend compared to the previous one. Anticipation had been building across the capital throughout August, Revolut said, with a pop-up store on St Stephen's Green setting the tone since opening in early August, as fans scrambled for sought-after Oasis merch. Over the last two weekends, merchandise stores in Dublin recorded hundreds of thousands of euros in revenue, which is likely due to the store's lengthy queues. Owing to popular demand, the pop-up store has since announced extended dates. While spending on public transportation was down 9% across the rest of Ireland, it rose dramatically by over 120% in Dublin as Irish Oasis fans descended upon the capital for the gigs. Taxi drivers also benefited from the concerts, with a 15% uplift in revenues last weekend. Dublin sales of store-bought beer, wine, and liquor also rose by over a third compared to the previous weekend. Furthermore, Dublin restaurants, pubs, and licensed stores also saw a boost in sales across the weekend, with Revolut's business customers recording an increase in revenues. Of these, the 'food, beverages or tobacco' industries experienced a notable 2% uplift when compared with the previous weekend. 'Consumer spending of this level in just one weekend sends a very strong signal about the confidence of our more than 3m customers in Ireland," said General Manager at Revolut Bank UAB - Ireland Branch, Malcolm Craig. "Last weekend highlights the value of attracting genuine A-listers to Ireland and that Revolut remains Irish people's preferred way to spend.'
