Retail sales volumes rise for 11th straight month

The volumes of retail sales increased for the 11th month in a row in September, edging 0.1% higher compared with August, although they are up 5.9% for the year, according to the CSO.

However, the figure masks underlying trends, which point to some segments of the retail sector gaining strength and other parts facing continued weakness.

Excluding the impact of motor trade, there was a 0.6% decrease in the volume of retail trade in September compared with August, but a 3.1% increase on the year.