'Shocking’ retail sales figures strengthen calls for reopening the economy, industry says

New figures from the Central Statistics Office detail the toll the pandemic and its consequent lockdowns have had on traders

A deserted Grafton St in Dublin city centre is a potent symbol of the damage being done to retailers all across the country by the pandemic lockdown. Business representatives are calling for support for the sector in the wake of 'shocking' new CSO figures. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

A predictably huge drop in the volume and value of retail sales since the turn of the year has strengthened the need for a clear roadmap towards the reopening of non-essential shops, according to industry groups.

New Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures show there was a near 22% monthly drop in the volume of retail sales in January, with the value of sales down by almost 20% compared to December.