Retail sales volume increased compared to pre-pandemic levels, but pub sales have yet to recover

Bar sales remained 40% lower than their pre-Covid-19 level in February 2020

Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics experienced the biggest monthly increase in sales volumes. 

Volume of retail sales increased by 4% last month compared with pre-pandemic levels, according to latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

But despite an overall recovery in March for Irish retail bar sales remained 40% lower than their pre-Covid level in February 2020.