Decline in December retail sales

There was a drop in retail sales in December.

Figures released by the CSO show they dropped 0.7% when compared with November 2015.

Annuallly, there was a rise of 6.3%.

Sectors which saw the largest monthly increase were food, beverages and tobacco; hardware, paints and glass; and pharmceuticals and cosmetics.

Those experiencing declines included electrical goods and department stores.

The Motor Trade also experienced a drop, as customers waited for new 161 plates.