Retail Ireland said today (30 May) that Aprils increase of 6.5% when compared to 2016 in the latest Central Statistics Office's (CSO) index, was 'bouyed by a later than normal Easter period'.
However, the Ibec group that represents the sector, highlighted that the 'uneven nature of the performance across the retail categories' reflected an uncertain future outlook amongst Irish consumers.'
It also outlined that last month 'retail sales values, excluding bars and car sales, increased by 3.3% on the same period in 2016, building on value growth of over 3% in the first four months of 2017.'
Thomas Burke, director, Retail Ireland Director said: “The first four months of 2017 has seen strong growth in certain retail categories, and this is reflected in the headline numbers, but that positive performance is by no means consistent across all retail categories, with some retailers reporting a significant decline in trade in recent months.
Strong growth in some categories is in fact masking anemic growth, and in some cases decline, in key retail categories and certain retailers are becoming increasingly anxious about weak trade levels." Burke added.
© 2017 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern
