According to the Retail Sales Index March 2023 (Provisional) and February 2023 (Final) report from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the volume of sales in bars increased, year on year, in March 2023.
Details
The report, which was published on CSO.ie, states that there was a 9.6% annual increase in the volume of sales in bars in March 2023, but a 15.9% monthly decrease.
Food, Beverage And Tobacco (Specialised Stores) Sales
Meanwhile, there was a 4.1% annual decrease in the volume of food, beverage and tobacco (specialised stores) sales in March 2023, and a 2.5% monthly decrease in the volume of food, beverage and tobacco (specialised stores) sales in the third month of this year, according to the CSO’s data.
Statement By Statistician
The report published on CSO.ie quoted Stephanie Kelleher, a statistician in the business statistics division, as saying, “Retail sales rose by 2.0% in March 2023, when compared with February 2023 on a seasonally adjusted basis. On an annual basis, retail volumes were 8.6% higher than in March 2022. When motor trades are excluded, retail sales rose by just 0.3% in the month and 0.6% in the year, when compared with March 2022.
“In March 2023, the largest monthly volume increases were recorded in other retail sales – +34.8% – and department stores – +5.0%.
“The highest monthly volume decreases were in bars – -15.9% – clothing, footwear & textiles – -7.3% – and hardware, paints & glass – -7.1%.
“The largest annual volume increase was in motor trades – +30.7% – similar to the annual growth of new cars licensed – +33% – published by the CSO on 12 April 2023.
“Other sectors showing large annual increases were other retail sales – +22.3% – bars – +9.6% – and fuel – +6.3%.
“The largest annual volume decreases were recorded in hardware, paints & glass – -11.6% – pharmaceuticals, medical & cosmetic articles – -4.2% – books, newspapers & stationery – -4.1% – and food, beverages & tobacco (specialised stores) – -4.1%.
“The value of retail sales was 1.8% higher in March 2023 than February 2023, and was 14.9% higher than a year earlier. Excluding motor trades, the value of retail sales fell by 0.2% in the month and rose by 5.0% on an annual basis.”
Read More: Bar Sales Increased Year On Year In February
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