Retail sales continued to fall in the third quarter of 2012, the fourteenth consecutive quarter to record a decline.
September was the most challenging month of the quarter, according to Retail Excellence Ireland.
It recorded a drop in sales of almost 1.5% from the same month last year.
It cites pre-budget speculation as the main reason, which caused a decrease in consumer sentiment that month.
The worst performing sectors in the third quarter were IT, which was down almost 20% on the same quarter last year, and gardening equipment, down 8.5% on the third quarter of 2011.
The best performing sectors included Consumer Electronics and Home Appliances, both recording an increase in sales in the third quarter compared to last year.
"There were mixed fortunes experienced by different sectors in quarter three 2012," REI Chief Executive Officer, David Fitzsimons said. "It is no surprise that non-discretionary sectors including Grocery, Pharmacy and Hot Beverage enjoyed a reasonable trading period, while the inclement summer weather negatively impacted on Ladies Fashion sales and Garden Centre activity."
"Consumer electronics enjoyed a buoyant period helped for the most part by the digital switchover, while computing sales were hit with price deflation and purchase postponement," Mr Fitzsimons added.
