Irish retail sales rose by 3.3 per cent in the 12 months to June 2004, but bar sales have fallen by 3.9 per cent over the same period.
June retail sales index released today by the CSO shows sales volumes - which strip out price effects - increased by 3.3 per cent in June 2004 compared to June 2003.
If car sales are excluded, the annual increase was 3.8 per cent and the monthly change was an increase of 3.1 per cent.
Food, beverage and tobacco sales recorded a 7.2 per cent annual increase indicating a shift has occurred in spending habits away from pubs and into off-licenses and supermarkets.
The largest annual increase in retail sales was in furniture and lighting, which is consistent with the house-building boom. Other areas showing strong growth were hardware and clothing.
