Retail Excellence Ireland has predicted a drop of almost 0.5% in Christmas trading this year.
The trade body surveyed 173 retail companies, which have over 1,550 stores nationwide.
They predict that the value of sales this December will be down by 0.47% on last year.
But the survey also revealed that about 60% of retailers expect growth or like-for-like parity when compared with the same time last year.
''While factors like Budget 2013 and weather patterns over the Christmas period will have a significant influence over the ultimate trading outcome, it it clear that retailers are becoming more bullish about their future prospects,'' commented Retail Excellence Ireland's chief executive David Fitzsimons.
