Retailers cheer positive December figures

New figures from Retail Excellence Ireland (REI) have forecast December retail sales to rise by 0.68% year-on-year.

The modest rise for December 2011 compared to the same month last year follows 45 months of consecutive like-for-like decline.

REI Chief Executive David Fitzsimons said consumers will be the main beneficiaries.

"Consumers are the biggest winner in this," he said.

"Retailers have been killing each other in terms of price reductions, they have been competing toe-to-toe and the main beneficiary is the Irish consumer."

Mr Fitzsimons said that today and tomorrow - the final two shopping days before Christmas - would see exceptional value available for shoppers with many retailers carrying high stock levels.

He also said retailers were expecting the strong sales to continue into the post-Christmas sales period.