Retail sales volumes grew by 0.5% in November compared to the previous month, and stood 2.5% higher on an annual basis, new figures from the Central Statistics Office show today.
The CSO said the value of retail sales grew by 0.5% in the month and rose by 3.9% in the 12 months to November.
Today's figures show the sectors with the highest monthly volume increases were motor trades, which rose by 4.7%, while bar sales were up 3.8% and hardware, paints and glass increased by 2.8%.
The biggest monthly volume decreases were recorded in Other Retail Sales - which include the likes of carpets, games and toys, flowers, plants, jewellery and pet food - which fell by 1.4%. Food, beverages and tobacco (in specialised stores) slowed by 1.4%, and sales of books, newspapers and stationery eased by 1.2%.
On an annual basis, the CSO said the highest annual volume growth was recorded in motor trades, which jumped by 11.4%, while sales of hardware, paints and glass rose by 7%, sales of pharmaceuticals, medical and cosmetic articles were up 5.5%, and sales of books, newspapers and stationery increased by 4.1%.
Sectors showing the largest annual volume declines were food, beverages and tobacco (in specialised stores), which fell by 7.4% and clothing, footwear and textiles sales were down 4%.
