Ireland Retail Sales Fall for the First Time Since March

Retail sales in Ireland fell by 0.4% month-on-month in September 2026, reversing a downwardly revised 0.5% rise in the previous month and marking the first decline since March. The decline was mainly driven by notable drops in sales of books, newspapers, and stationery (-3.4%) and clothing, footwear, and textiles (-1.9%). Fuel sales also weakened, falling by 0.8% in volume, while increasing by 2.7% in value. On the other hand, the declines were partly offset by increases in sales of department stores (+2.2%), furniture and lighting (+1.1%), and other retail sales (+1.0%). On an annual basis, retail activity grew by 2.9% in September, easing from a downwardly revised 4.1% rise in the preceding period.

Retail sales in Ireland rose by 0.6% month-on-month in August 2026, easing from an upwardly revised six-month high of 1.6% in the previous month, marking the weakest growth since April. The slowdown was mainly driven by notable declines in sales of pharmaceuticals, medical and cosmetic articles (-4.3%) and fuel (-2.8%). Fuel sales also weakened, falling by 2.3% in value, while increasing by 1.8% in volume. On the other hand, the declines were partly offset by increases in sales of furniture and lighting (+2.6%), clothing, footwear, and textiles (+2.2%), and bars (+1.9%). On an annual basis, retail activity jumped 4.3% in August, following an upwardly revised 2.7% growth in the preceding period, marking the highest growth since August 2023.

Retail sales in Ireland advanced by 1.3% month-on-month in July 2026, up from an upwardly revised 0.5% increase in the previous month, marking the strongest reading in six months. The largest volume increases were recorded in motor trade (+8.5%), fuel (+7.0%), and pharmaceuticals, medical, and cosmetic articles (+3.4%). Fuel sales also strengthened, rising 2.4% in value and 7.0% in volume, reflecting elevated fuel prices amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Meanwhile, gains were partly offset by notable declines in department stores (-1.3%), books, newspapers, and stationery (-0.3%), and other retail sales (-0.1%). On an annual basis, retail activity jumped 2.2% in July, following an upwardly revised 0.9% growth in the preceding period.