Retailers encouraged by November sales figures

Retailers have said they are hopeful that the volume of sales from the Christmas period will be up on last year, following the release of figures today showing a sales boost for last month.

New figures from the Central Statistics Office show the volume of sales up by 1.6% in the month of November.

However, overall the annual rate has fallen by 0.8% in the year, which retailers said is still a massive challenge.

The Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association is today calling on consumers "to be mindful that buying Irish goods will directly support Irish jobs" this Christmas.