Irish retail sales posted their lowest annual growth in three years in December, pulled down by sales of electrical goods that slumped by 23% after a November "Black Friday" sales boost, data showed on Friday.
Irish retailers have complained in recent months of strong competition from UK online retailers and Northern Irish rivals due to weakness in sterling following Britain's vote to leave the European Union.
Annual retail volues grew 3.4% in December, down from 4.3% growth in November, to post the lowest annual growth since November 2013, provisional figures from the Central Statistics Office showed.
Sales fell 0.7% compared to November, or by 2.7% excluding car sales, which have had a strong year.
Provisional estimates for retail sales volume growth for 2016 were up 5.9%, or 4.3% if motor sales are excluded. (Reuters)
Source: www.businessworld.ie