Retail sales fell modestly in October, but remain substantially higher than a year ago, pointing towards positive consumer trends according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The figures show retail sales volumes declined by 0.8 per cent in October, when compared with September, but were up 6.9 per cent on an annual basis. Excluding car sales, the volume of retail sales decreased 0.3 per cent in October and was up 5.8 per cent on an annual basis.

The sectors with the largest month-on-month volume increases were furniture and lighting, and bars, which rose 3.8 per cent and 2.1 per cent respectively.

The sector with the largest monthly decreases was electrical goods, which fell 2.9 per cent.

There was a decrease of 1 per cent in the value of retail sales in October 2015 when compared with September 2015 and there was an annual increase of 3.5 per cent when compared with October 2014.

If motor trades are excluded, there was no change in the value of retail sales and an annual increase of 2.4 per cent.

Despite a blip in October, Irish consumer spending looks set to remain strong over the coming quarter, Goodbody Stockbrokers said.

Goodbody chief economist Dermot O’Leary said there is a clearly improving trend in discretionary spending by Irish households.

“The drivers of consumer spending growth continue to point towards further expansion over the coming twelve months,” he added.