The volume of retail sales was up 6.8% in September when compared to the same month in 2006, according to the latest figures released by the Central Statistics Office.
Sales also showed a 1.3% rise against August's figures. However, if motor trades are excluded the increases drop to 6.6% on the year and 0.9% on the month.
The actual value of sales went up 7.8% on the previous September and 1.2% on August of this year. Excluding motors, the rises are 7.3% and 1.0% respectively.
Book, newspaper and stationary sales showed the biggest improvement by going up 2.9%, whereas the footwear and leather sector suffered a 6.0% drop.
