The value of retail sales rose by 4.6 per cent in March 2001 compared to March 2000, according to Central Statistics Office figures released today.
However, if motor trades are excluded, the increase is 12.5 per cent.
The volume of retail sales increased by 1.6 per cent in March 2001 compared last year. If motor sales are excluded the increase in volume is 8.4 per cent.On a three-month basis the January to March 2001 volume figures show a 2.4 per cent increase compared with the previous three months ending December 2000.
February is the latest month for which final detailed sectoral figures are available.
The three month December 2000 - February 2001 volume figures show that, compared with the three months ending November 2000, the largest increase in the volume of sales was in the pharmaceutical, medical and cosmetic articles (up 7 per cent) sectors.
The largest sales decrease was for cars which dropped by 8.8 per cent in the first three months of the year.