Retail sales weakened in September despite recent indicators that consumer confidence has rebounded.
The latest retail sales index released today by the Central Statistics Office show that the volume of retail sales, which excludes price increases, has increased by 3.2 per cent in September 2004 compared to September 2003.
Retail sales volumes were 1.9 per cent lower than in August but the August figure was exceptional due to the prolonged sales season as retailers cleared stocks after a disappointing summer.
If motor trades are excluded, the annual increase was 2.7 per cent and the monthly change was -0.4 per cent.
The rolling three month average sales figures show that electrical goods have been the fastest growth area with an 8.3 per cent rise in sales while the motor sector has seen a 2 per cent fall in vehicles sold.
Bar sales for September were particularly weak. The value of sales was down 3.5 per cent on the month while volumes plunged 4.1 per cent.
Since the smoking ban came into effect in March, sales are down 7.2 per cent in value and 9.2 per cent in volume.