Shoppers in Ireland are optimistic but remain cautious, according to the latest Retail Ireland Millward Brown Shopper Attitude Survey.
The survey shows four out of every ten consumers have delayed purchasing big items over the last two years, with people increasingly "price conscious".
Items like cars and furniture were put on the back burner over the last two years.
However, more than half of consumers say they feel more positive about their financial status than they did 12 months ago.
Stephen Lynam Director of Retail Ireland says many people made significant cuts in the recession.