Grocery sales rose by 0.53% in Q4 of last year, according to the latest Irish Retail Industry Sales Review from Retail Excellence Ireland.
The review, which is collected from inputs from GfK Retail and Technology Ireland, found that the grocery market rose by 1.12% in October, declined by 1.87% in November, and rose again, by 1.37%, in December.
Overall, the retail industry experienced a 4.22% increase, with October seeing a like-for-like increase of 4.90%, November up 3.27% and December up 4.39%.
Retail Excellence Ireland said that the growth was the 'largest quarterly gain recorded in the Irish Retail Industry since Quarter 2 2007', with most sectors experiencing strong gains.
Other notable categories which saw growth include Hot Beverages, which saw 4.21% growth during the period, an indication of a resurgent convenience and forecourt industry. Pharmacy sales, however, decreased by 0.36% during the quarter.
“While the Quarter proved productive, it is important to note that much of the sales gains were at the cost of margin, with November and specifically Black Friday witnessing aggressive discounting activity," said Seán Murphy, Deputy CEO, Retail Excellence Ireland.
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
