Retail sales volume increased by 4.1% from December to January, while year-on-year the figure was 10.3% higher.
The data from the Central Statistics Office indicates that new car sales drove the increase, as when this sector is excluded the monthly rise is 0.7%.
Moreover, the annual rise in the number of retail sales – excluding motor sales – was 6.4%.
The largest monthly sales increases were seen in motor trades (+9.1%) and electrical goods (+6%), while other retail sales (-3%) and furniture & lighting (-1.8%) had the largest drop-off.
With regard to the value of retail sales, there was a 6% rise between December and January, with the annual increase 8.9%.
Motor trade sales were also a key part of the increases on the value front, and when they are excluded the monthly value of retail sales was up 0.9% and 4.5% annually.
Commenting on the CSO figures, Alan McQuaid from Merrion Economics said: "Although retail sales remain erratic on a monthly basis, the underlying trend is positive.
"While most attention was on cars last year and will be again in 2016, personal spending in other areas is picking up too and is becoming more broad-based.
"This can only be good news for retailers and employment prospects in the sector," he added.
