According to new data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), sales in bars increased by 12.3% month-on-month in Ireland in September.
Details
In a statement published on its website, the CSO said, "Retail sales increased by 0.3% in September 2021 when compared to August 2021 on a seasonally adjusted basis. On an annual basis, retail volumes were 0.7% higher than in September 2020. Retail sales for September 2021 were 12.6% higher when compared to two years earlier (September 2019).
"In September 2021, the largest monthly volume increases in sales were recorded in Bars (+12.3%), Pharmaceuticals, Medical & Cosmetic Articles (+7.8%), Books, Newspapers & Stationery (+6.5%), Electrical Goods (+5.1%) and Hardware, Paints & Glass (+2.1%). Motor Trades fell by 6.3% and Food, Beverages & Tobacco (Specialised Stores) decreased by 0.4%.
"The sectors with the highest annual volume increases were Bars (+58.8%), Department Stores (+17.8%), Clothing, Footwear & Textiles (+16.2%) and Books, Newspapers & Stationery (+10.3%). The largest volume decreases were in Hardware, Paints & Glass (-10.5%), Other Retail Sales (-7.2%) and Motor Trades (-4.2%).
"Compared to September 2019 (two years earlier and pre-COVID-19), the volume of retail sales in September 2021 was 12.6% higher. Several sectors showed significant changes compared to their corresponding level of sales in September 2019. The highest increases were seen in Electrical Goods (+31.5%), Pharmaceuticals, Medical & Cosmetic Articles (+27.1%), Department Stores (+25.0%), Furniture & Lighting (+22.6%) and Hardware, Paints & Glass (+22.0%). A number of sectors had a volume of sales in September 2021 which decreased from September 2019 levels. The largest reductions occurred in Bars (-20.2%) and Books, Newspapers & Stationery (-8.3%).
"When Motor Trades are excluded, the volume of retail sales rose by 0.8% in September over the previous month and increased by 1.3% when compared to September 2020.
"The proportion of retail sales transacted online (from Irish registered companies) was 4.9% in September 2021, similar to August 2021 (4.8%) and marginally ahead of September of last year (4.5%).
"The value of retail sales was 0.1% lower in September 2021 than in August 2021. On an annual basis the value of retail sales was 5.6% higher than September 2020. Excluding Motor Trades, the value of retail sales increased by 1.9% in the month and increased by 5.2% on an annual basis."
CSO Statistician Statements
In a statement also published on its website, the CSO said, "The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has today (28 October 2021) released the Retail Sales Index September 2021 (Provisional) August 2021 (Final).
"Commenting on the release, Stephanie Kelleher, Statistician, said, 'Retail sales showed a slight increase (+0.3%) in September 2021 when compared to August 2021 on a seasonally adjusted basis. On an annual basis, retail volumes were 0.7% higher than in September 2020 and 12.6% higher compared to September 2019.
"'In September 2021, the largest monthly volume increases in sales were recorded in Bars (+12.3%), Pharmaceuticals, Medical & Cosmetic Articles (+7.8%) and Books, Newspapers & Stationery (+6.5%). Motor Trades fell by 6.3% and Food, Beverages & Tobacco - Specialised Shops decreased by 0.4%.'
"Providing further analysis of the figures, Stephanie Kelleher said, 'Compared to September 2019, pre-COVID-19, the volume of retail sales in September 2021 was 12.6% higher. Several sectors showed significant changes compared to their corresponding level of sales in September 2019. The highest increases were seen in Electrical Goods (+31.5%), Pharmaceuticals, Medical & Cosmetic Articles (+27.1%), Department Stores (+25.0%), Furniture & Lighting (+22.6%) and Hardware, Paints & Glass (+22.0%). Some sectors had a volume of sales in September 2021 which were lower than September 2019 levels, with the largest reduction in Bars (-20.2%).
"'The proportion of retail sales transacted online (from Irish registered companies) has remained relatively stable since June 2021. Online sales accounted for 4.9% of all retail sales in September 2021, similar to August 2021 (4.8%) and marginally ahead of September of last year (4.5%). The proprotion of online sales in September 2019 was 3.2%.'"
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