Hopes of a Christmas surge in sales proved misplaced as the volumes actually fell 0.4 per cent compared to November. Sales volumes were dragged down by a dip in the sales of books and newspapers, and a fall-off in clothing sales. Excluding the motor trade, the overall fall in retail sales accelerated to 0.9 per cent year-on-year. Excluding the motor trade, which saw a rise in volume of 2.5 per cent, monthly sales volumes fell 0.8 per cent and value was unchanged. On an annual basis sales by value increased by 1.5 per cent on December 2024, lifted by the motor trade.

Source: The Irish Times January 28, 2026 19:32 UTC