December retail sales show impact of rising prices on Christmas spending

Seasonally-adjusted retail sales in December rose by 0.9% from November, however, once motor sales were excluded, that figure dropped to a meagre 0.3%. Pic Larry Cummins

Motor sales surged in December compared to a year earlier, while activity across several retail outlets, including Department Stores, fell dramatically as prices continued to hit household spending over the Christmas period. 

New Central Statistics Office figures show that retail sales in volume terms rose by 3.9% in December compared to the same month last year, but we were up by just 1.8% when sales of motor vehicles were excluded.

Sales of clothing, furniture, lighting and other retail also saw year-on-year growth despite rising prices, however, sales across department stores and specialised food and beverage shops also posted notable declines. 

Seasonally-adjusted retail sales in December rose by 0.9% from November, however, once motor sales were excluded, that figure dropped to a meagre 0.3%. 

The figures detailing the volume and the value of retail sales also reflect rising prices facing households over the Christmas period.

Monthly retail sales rose an annual 0.9% in December but they increased by 2.1% when measured in terms of value, reflecting the higher prices over the period.

On an annual basis, retail sales increased by 3.9% while in terms of value, rose by almost 7%. 

Newspapers, books and other stationery saw the largest annual decrease, falling by almost 9% compared to the same period last year, followed by department stores which decreased by 8.2%.

The largest annual volume growth in December was in motor trades, up almost 13%, other retail sales, up by 12.3% and furniture & lighting which increased by 10.5%.