From takeaways to journey: information highlights a 16% bounce in way of life spending this summer time

Lifestyle spending by UK shoppers grew by 16% this summer time in contrast with 2024, pushed by elevated spending on consuming out and takeaways, clothes and journey based on new findings launched by Virgin Money.

The spend information* by its bank card clients between June and August this yr confirmed a big rise in way of life (non-essential) purchases of £1.9 billion in comparison with spring (March-May), 6% up on spring 2025.

Spending on consuming out and takeaways noticed a big rise, with complete spend this summer time reaching £224.8 million – a rise of 16% in comparison with spring 2025 and 17% larger than final summer time. August was the height month, with clients spending £80.6 million on this month alone, doubtlessly boosted by the August financial institution vacation. The information reveals the vast majority of the spend on this class is directed in direction of takeaways, with McDonalds, Deliveroo and Uber Eats rising as the highest three shops.

Spending at clothes shops surged this summer time, rising 14% year-on-year and 10% in contrast with spring, reaching a complete of £106.2 million – notably attention-grabbing given the typical transaction worth was ever so barely decrease this summer time (£46) in comparison with summer time 2024 (£47), suggesting that whereas individuals are spending the same quantity every time, they’re searching for garments extra typically. Leading retailers included Next, Asos, Zara and Vinted, with Vinted alone seeing buyer spend rise by 50% to £3.9 million from £2.6 million final summer time.

Travel spending – together with airways, transportation and lodging – reached £526.9 million this summer time, up 15% year-on-year and 6% quarter-on-quarter, representing a £67.9 million improve on summer time 2024. Airline spend rose by 12% year-on-year, and Virgin Atlantic was the preferred airline for purchasers this summer time, indicating a powerful urge for food for long-haul holidays and clients planning forward for winter solar holidays, whereas short-haul European airways had been additionally well-liked.

Spending on lodges and lodging climbed 20% in comparison with spring and 13% year-on-year, reflecting a rising pattern for summer time staycations – notably throughout this summer time of heatwaves and sunny climate. Premier Inn, Booking.com and Centre Parcs had been the highest lodging decisions for purchasers this summer time.

Nick Martin, head of lending insights at Virgin Money, stated: “As the summer unfolded, we saw a clear uplift in our customers’ spending across eating out, fashion and travel. Warmer weather and longer days encouraged people to enjoy their favourite experiences with friends and family, helped by the addition of school holidays and a packed social calendar at this time of year. Shoppers were also keen to refresh their wardrobes, with both high street and online retailers benefitting.

“Travel also saw a notable boost, as many took advantage of the summer heatwaves for staycations, weddings and events, and many travelling further afield for holidays and social plans too. The numbers show that confidence is continuing to grow, with people making the most of every opportunity to treat themselves and enjoy time with loved ones – both at home and on holiday.”

However, not all the life-style classes noticed will increase in spending. Spend on residence enchancment was down by 3% this summer time in comparison with spring, suggesting clients had been eager to benefit from nice spring climate and deal with jobs of their properties and gardens earlier on, in time to benefit from the outcomes this summer time. Spend on subscriptions additionally diminished by 13% in comparison with spring, indicating clients had been prioritising spending on in-person experiences and actions over indoor leisure and profiting from the great climate.

Nick added: “We’re always interested to see the details of where our customers choose to spend and how this changes across the seasons. Our priority is to provide the tools and products that help people make the most of their money, in ways that work best for them.”

*Customer spend information sourced from Virgin Money bank card clients who’ve spent between June 2025 and August 2025.