The volume of retail sales fell in April on both a monthly and annual basis, according to the Central Statistics Office.
The volume of sales fell 0.2% compared to March and was 0.5% lower compared to April 2025.
When motor sales are excluded, sales fell 0.6% month-on-month, but were 0.4% higher compared to last year.
Clothing, footwear and textiles saw the biggest decrease in sales compared to March, down 2.9%
The volume of fuel sales was 2.3% lower, while electrical goods were down 2%.
Some areas did see an increase in sales volumes, however.
Books, newspaper and stationary sales were up 4.6%, while food, beverage and tobacco sales rose by 3.9%.
In value terms, the monthly decline was more pronounced, with a 0.4% fall compared to March.
However year-on-year - despite falling volumes - sales values were up 1%. This reflects the continued rise in prices across the economy.
Excluding motor sales, sales values were up 3.2% compared to April 2025.
