Retail sales volumes in Ireland fell by 1.6% in July from the previous month and decreased by 8.1% year-on-year. This marked the third consecutive monthly decline in the sector as economic conditions worsened amid soaring inflation.
The largest monthly volume decreases were in books, newspapers and stationery, down 27.2%, and pharmaceuticals, medical and cosmetic articles, which fell by 6.8%.
Declines in the volume of sales were also recorded by the sectors other retail sales and motor trades, down 5.5% and 4.9% respectively.
Meanwhile, the only sectors to show an annual increase in the volume of sales were bars, with a 56.8% increase, clothing and footwear, up 4.3%, department stores, which recorded an increase of 4.2% and furniture and lighting, up 1.1%.
Despite inflation in Ireland reaching almost 10% last month, the total value of retail sales was 0.1% lower than in June and 0.4% lower on the year.
