Retail sales volumes decreased by 0.6% in the month of January, as the volume of car sales slowed, while annual figures showed an increase of 1.3%, according to the Central Statistics Office.
The first two months of 2018 saw a total of 42,314 new private cars licensed, a 2.9% decrease compared to the same time last year. However, the number of used (imported) private cars licensed increased by 14.5% during that period.
In February 2018 there were 16,501 new private car licenses, a 2.4% drop compared to February 2017, while the number of used (imported) private cars licensed increased by 11.4%.
Excluding Motor Trades
Excluding motor trades, there was an increase of 1.1% in the volume of retail sales in January 2018 when compared with December 2017 while there was an increase of 5.7% in the annual figure.
Excluding motor trades, there was a retail value increase of 0.8% in the month and a 3.2% increase in the annual figure.
Department stores saw the largest monthly volume decrease at 4.2%, followed by motor trades (0.9%).
The sectors other retail and pharmaceuticals, medical & cosmetic articles saw the largest month on month volume increases, at 1.84% and 8.1%, respectively.
Retail sales increased 0.7% in value in January 2018, compared to December 2017, while there was an annual decrease of 0.7% when compared January 2017.
© 2018 - Checkout Magazine by Kevin Duggan
