Rate of decline in retail sales eases
The rate of decline in retail sales in Ireland has eased to 8% for the first quarter of 2010.
A rise in sales in the jewellery, ladies fashion and footwear sectors is helping the positive trend, according to Retail Excellence Ireland.
Menswear was again the worst performing sector in terms of sales, reporting a 12% drop compared with the same period in 2009.
The group said that while the figures mean that sales in the sector are down for the 25th month running, a return to growth is imminent.
Retail Excellence Ireland also said that the current rate of price deflation cannot continue and traders are likely to reassess pricing strategies in future.
