Press Statement

Preasráiteas

28 October 2021

Go to release: Retail Sales Index September 2021

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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