The value of retail sales rose by 2.6% in November 2002 compared to the same time the previous year, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office today.
However, if motor trades are excluded, the annual increase was 4.4%, the CSO added.
The volume of retail sales decreased by 0.7% in November 2002 compared to November 2001. If motor trades are excluded, there was an annual increase of 1.6%.
On a three month basis, which gives a more stable indication of recent underlying trends, September to November volume figures show a 3.3% increase compared to the previous three months.
