There was an annual increase of 0.9% in the value of retail sales, excluding Motor, for the month of January.
The volume of retail sales, excluding motor, decreased by 1.4% in January 2013 when compared with December 2012.
For Food, Beverages and Tobacco, preliminary results inducate the value of retail sales decreased 1.1% on an annual basis and decreased 0.8% on December 2012.
In volume terms, sales decreased 3.3% on an annual basis and are down 0.9% on December 2012.
Commenting on today’s figures, Retail Ireland welcomed the slight increase in overall retail sales when motor is factored out but warned that the sector is a long way from a sustained recovery.
Retail Ireland Director Stephen Lynam said: “There was a sharp retraction in sales in the first quarter of last year, after initial hope that the worst was over. To ensure this is not repeated, it is vital that Government take steps to boost consumer confidence and reduce retailer costs. Otherwise we could have a return to falling spending, with a damaging impact on the domestic economy and employment.”
