Press Statement

Preasráiteas

28 September 2021

Go to release: Retail Sales Index August 2021

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has today (28 September 2021) released the Retail Sales Index August 2021 (Provisional) July 2021 (Final).

Commenting on the release, Stephanie Kelleher, Statistician, said: "Retail sales increased by 3.5% in August 2021 when compared to July 2021 on a seasonally adjusted basis. On an annual basis, retail volumes were 6.0% higher than in August 2020. Retail sales for August 2021 were 14.8% higher when compared to two years earlier pre COVID-19.

“In August 2021, the largest monthly volume increases in sales were recorded in Books, Newspapers & Stationery (+48.7%), Bars (+31.9%) and Department Stores (+20.2%).  The sectors which experienced decreases in the month were Non-Specialised Stores (incl. Supermarkets) (-3.7%) and Pharmaceuticals, Medical & Cosmetic Articles (-2.3%). “

Providing further analysis of the figures, Stephanie Kelleher said:”Compared to August 2019, pre-COVID-19, most sectors have higher sales than two years ago. The highest increases were seen in Motor Trades (+26.9%), Electrical Goods (+23.6%) and Department Stores (+19.2%).  Two sectors had a volume of sales in August 2021 lower than August 2019 levels, Bars (-27.6%) and Books, Newspapers & Stationery (-13.4%).”

“The proportion of retail sales transacted online (from Irish registered companies) was 4.9% in August 2021, similar to July 2021 (4.8%) and August of last year (4.5%).”

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