Retail sales fell 1.7% in March 2011 compared with the same month last year, according to new data released by the Central Statistics Office today.

THERE are indications that spending may not be as weak as feared with figures showing a slight improvement in consumer mood last month.

Despite figures today indicated a rise in consumer confidence for February Irish retailers remain pessimistic about the trading outlook, according to a new survey.

Retail Ireland, the IBEC group that represents the retail sector, has said that new CSO retail sales figures for November were not as bad as feared.

Retail Ireland has welcomed the fact that the Government has not increased the excise on alcohol in today's Budget.

FEARS that an economic recovery has stalled were expressed when figures showed retail sales fell in July.

DESPITE prices falling 6.6% over the last year the era of heavy discounting is coming to an end as food and clothing prices edge higher.

Retail Ireland has said that new CSO retail sales figures show the sector remains under serious pressure.

Retail Ireland, the IBEC group that represents the Irish retail sector, today condemned the decision by the Minister for Finance to increase the VAT rate by 0.5% to 21.5% in the Budget.