Retail sales up 1% on back of strong car sales

SALES in the retail sector rose 1.3% in August compared with the same month last year, boosted by higher car sales in particular, while clothing and footwear were also ahead.

CSO figures show a month-on-month increase of 1.1% after three months of lower sales.

Cars and other vehicle sales were up 5.5% over July, with department store business ahead by 4.6%.