Retail sales rose by 0.8 per cent in April as consumers splashed out on electrical goods and home décor.
The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicate retail sales have risen by 5.1 per cent year-on-year.
When volatile motor trades are excluded, the monthly rise was 0.6 per cent and 3.6 per cent on an annual basis.
The sector with the largest monthly increases was electrical goods, which saw sales rise 8 per cent.
There were also increases in sales at department stores (+3 per cent) as well as furniture and lighting (+1.7 per cent).
The sectors with the largest monthly declines were books, newspapers and stationery (-6.7 per cent ); hardware, paints and glass (-3.5 per cent) and clothing, footwear and textiles (-2.3 per cent).
The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises association (Isme) welcomed the continued positive trend in retail sales, but called on the new Government to refocus its efforts on the effect that the black economy is having on the SME retail sector.
Isme chief executive Mark Fielding said Revenue Commissioners must put much more emphasis on the eradication of rogue traders who have a massive competitive advantage, which is causing job intensive SME retailers to suffer and in some cases, close.
“The massive unfair advantage created by non-payment of excise and taxes within the black economy is creating havoc for compliant retailers.”
