The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
Retail Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the sector, has warned that the retail sales figures for July, released by the CSO today (Monday) act as a timely reminder not to take continued growth in the sector for granted. Core retail sales in July decreased by 0.6% when compared with June, indicating a mid-summer dip in performance. However, the group said that broader retail trends remain positive, with sales increasing by 3.5% in the year to date. Retail Ireland director Thomas Burke stated, “Despite a return to growth in retail sales values, core retail sales, excluding motor trades and bar sales, remain volatile. While there may be a perception that all is well again in the retail sector, much of the current growth is being driven by deep discounting in shops and ongoing sales activity. Such prolonged discounting, while necessary in the current uncertain consumer market, is undoubtedly draining profits for retailers. “This environment makes it difficult for retailers to …
Read More »