New figures from the Central Statistics Office show that retail sales volumes grew by 0.8% in July from the previous month, and by 4.2% on an annual basis.
The CSO said the value of retail sales rose by 0.9% in the month and by 4.3% in the 12 months to July.
Today's figures show that the sectors with the highest monthly volume increases were motor trades, which rose by 9.2%, while sales of hardware, paints and glass were up 3% and pharmaceuticals, medical and cosmetic articles sales increased by 2.9%.
The largest monthly volume decreases were recorded in books, newspapers and stationery, which slowed by 3.2%, while sales of electrical goods were down 1.4%.
On an annual basis, the largest annual volume growth was recorded in car sales in July, which rose by 7.7%, while other retail sales - which include the likes of carpets, games and toys, flowers, plants, jewellery and pet food - were up by 6.3% and sales of furniture and lighting increased by 5.9%.
Sectors showing annual volume declines were Food, Beverages & Tobacco (Specialised Stores) with sales down 2.9%, while Department Stores sales fell by 2.7%.
The CSO said the proportion of retail sales transacted online (from Irish registered companies) was 4.9% in July, down from 5.1% in June but up slightly from the rate of 4.8% in July of last year.
