As costs rise consumers tighten belts

IRISH shoppers have become price conscious and are buying less as the cost of basic goods and services continues to climb, figures published yesterday revealed.

Analysing figures from the Central Statistics Office on retail sales for November and December, IIB Bank chief economist Austin Hughes said people were spending less and being more sensible with the money they have at their disposal.

In December, the CSO figures show that while the amount of goods bought fell by 0.4% compared to December 2001, the value of goods bought climbed by 3%.