NEW FIGURES RELEASED by the Central Statistics Office today show that retail sales in June were down 5.5 per cent when compared with the same time last year.
That’s the biggest drop since December 2009.
The figures revealed a drop in the volume of retail sales of 0.7 per cent between May and June 2012, with food, beverages and tobacco taking the biggest hit, month on month – down 9.7 per cent.
In terms of year on year figures the motor trade saw the biggest drop, falling by 13 per cent. Ten out of thirteen categories used to measure retail sales saw drops, with electrical goods witnessing the only meaningful increase in terms of year on year sales volumes – 11 per cent.
Retail Excellence Ireland has said that many sectors are suffering as a result of bad weather while the Irish Pharmacy Union has expressed concern at dropping sales.
IPU president Rory O’Donnell said that a reduction in consumer demand, together with a high-cost environment is to blame.
Sales of pharmaceuticals, medical and cosmetic goods are down 2.7 per cent between May and June 2012, and 1.8 per cent annually.
The IPU is calling on the government to undertake a review of the retail sector and address cost factors like rates, rents, energy, local charges and energy costs.
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