Retail sales show ‘consumers are spending more’

Retails sales figures published yesterday show that shell-shocked retailers are beginning to see signs of increased consumer spending, analysts say.

However, small business group Isme has called on Finance Minister Michael Noonan to cut employers’ tax in the budget next month to help retailers hire more staff.

Isme said that the cumulative impact of tax rises and the looming increase in the minimum wage has shredded margins and small retailers are reluctant to hire as a result.