Adverse weather affects retail sales footfall

Retailers say that while Stephen's day sales were up this year - footfall in stores across the country was down again yesterday.

Retail Excellence Ireland says that weather conditions over the festive period have affected turnover greatly.

Chief Executive David Fitzsimons says that while December was disappointing, retailers are optimistic about the coming days.

"Stephen's Day was a blockbuster day, the best in six [years]," he said, "about €270m alone for one day in sales."

"Yesterday wasn't as good … the weather was pretty adverse."