The latest CSO Retail Sales Index figures for January 2016 indicate a slight increase in value sales in the Food, Beverages & Tobacco category (+1.1%) compared to the same period last year. Value sales were down 1.2% on a month-to-month basis.
However, volume sales in the same category rose 2.3% year-on-year (-1.2% on a month-to-month basis), meaning that consumers are still getting more bang for their buck in the grocery category.
Overall, retail sales for January were up 4.5% (excluding motor trades) year on year in terms of value sales, and 6.4% higher in terms of volume sales.
Commenting on the figures, Retail Ireland Director Thomas Burke said, “Given the busy trading period in the run up to Christmas and the post-holiday sales, retailers sometimes experience lower sales in January.
"However, the numbers show that the sector performed strongly over the month of January, with the traditional post Christmas sales period meeting earlier expectations. What is most encouraging is that all retail categories outperformed the same period in 2015, apart from the fuel category which is still grappling with the impact of a fluctuating Euro.”
Burke highlighted the fact that "a growth in rents of over 15% in certain parts of the country, disproportionate local authority commercial rates and unrealistic wage demands" could impact the sector in the coming months.
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
