Leitrim among Ireland’s top counties for second-hand fashion demand

Rising clothing costs are driving Irish consumers towards second-hand fashion platforms, with Leitrim emerging as one of the country's top counties for demand in this sector.

New figures from the Central Statistics Office show that clothing and footwear prices across Ireland climbed by 9 per cent in the twelve months leading up to March 2026. This substantial increase in retail costs appears to be reshaping shopping habits, as people seek more affordable alternatives to new purchases.

Search data gathered from across the country indicates that consumers are increasingly turning to second-hand fashion marketplaces as a response to these price rises. The shift reflects both economic pressures on household budgets and a growing willingness among shoppers to explore pre-owned clothing and footwear options.

The trend appears particularly pronounced in Leitrim, where search activity suggests strong consumer interest in the second-hand fashion market. This positions the county among Ireland's leading regions for demand in this category, signalling a significant change in local shopping behaviour and preferences.

The full analysis can be found in the Leitrim Observer's reporting on consumer price trends and second-hand fashion demand.

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