Mixed news for retail sector in September

There was an increase of 0.5% in the value of retail sales in September 2013 when compared with August 2013, according to figures released by the Central Statistic office today.

However, there was an annual decrease of 0.5% when compared with September 2012.

If Motor Trades are excluded, there was a monthly decrease of 0.5% in the value of retail sales and an annual decrease of 1.8%.

The volume of retail sales (i.e. excluding price effects) increased by 0.5% in September 2013 when compared with August 2013 and there was an increase of 1% in the annual figure.

If Motor Trades are excluded there was no change in the volume of retail sales in September 2013 when compared with August 2013 and there was a decrease of 0.3% in the annual figure.

The sectors with the largest month-on-month volume increases were fuel (+3.2%), food, beverages & tobacco (+2.3%) and hardware, paints & glass (+2.2%).

The sectors with the largest monthly decreases were furniture & lighting (-6.7%), books, newspapers & stationery (-2.8%) and non-specialised stores (-1.9%).