The volume of Retail Sales in Ireland during the month of August decreased by 1.0%, compared with the previous month, according to the CSO.
Excluding Motor Trades, the monthly volume of Retail Sales was down by 0.3% in August 2025 after the seasonal peak in Motor Trade sales in July.
Through the 12 months from August 2024, retail sales increased by 3.9%.
Sectors showing the highest monthly volume decreases were Department Stores (-4.3%), Motor Trades (-3.6%), and Furniture & Lighting (-3.4%), while monthly volume increases were recorded in Other Retail Sales (+1.1%), Pharmaceuticals, Medical & Cosmetic Articles (+0.3%), and Hardware, Paints & Glass (+0.3%).
The proportion of Retail Sales transacted online (from Irish registered companies) was 5.2% in both August 2025 and July 2025, compared with 4.7% in August 2024.
Commenting on the release, Tommy Allen, Statistician in the Enterprise Statistics Division, said: “The monthly decline was largely driven by a drop in the Motor Trades sector, down 3.6% in volume, following its seasonal mid-year peak in July.
“However, in August 2025 this sector significantly surpassed the previous year’s performance with a 9.8% annual volume increase. The other significant monthly volume decrease was in Department Stores at 4.3%.”
Alex Deaton, Junior Dealer at global financial services firm Ebury, said: “Retail sales dipped in August as consumer confidence remains depressed due to the ongoing economic uncertainty.
“Euro Area inflation expectations have edged up, and though they remain relatively contained, it suggests that further European Central Bank rate cuts are off the table for the meanwhile.
“There will be relief that Ireland, which is uniquely vulnerable to the threat of further US tariffs on the pharmaceutical industry, is set to escape the punitive 100% rate, which would have provided another significant economic headwind.
“Looking forward, households will be hoping for a period of prolonged stability and improving economic conditions, which could be the turning point for spending confidence and drive a rebound in retail sales.”
