Irish retail sales increase 3.4% in June

The volume of Irish retail sales increased by 3.4 per cent in June compared with last year's figures.

According to the CSO, when motor trade was excluded, the annual increase rose to 5.6 per cent, with monthly figures experiencing growth of 2.1 per cent.

The value of retail sales was also up year-on-year, increasing by 4.4 per cent. Once again, excluding the motor trade boosted the figures, with the annual increase growing to 6.1 per cent, and monthly growth rising to 2.4 per cent.

In the three-month period from March 2005 to May 2005, the largest volume increase was in textiles and clothing, which rose by 3.7 per cent compared with the quarter ending February 2005.

However, furniture and lighting saw a decrease of 4. per cent.