August retail sales dip 4.7% as car sales decline

Slowing car sales last month following an initial surge in demand for 162 number plates in July contributed to a 4.7% decline in retail sales during August.

The drop-off followed a 13.8% spike in July as consumers splashed out on new vehicles heading into the second half of the year.

Despite the negative headline figures contained in yesterday’s Central Statistics Office (CSO) data release, retail sales actually rose by 0.9% in August when motor sales were excluded.