Retail sales in Ireland slipped by 0.2% month-on-month in April 2026, following a downwardly revised 0.5% drop in March. The steepest volume declines were seen in clothing, footwear and textiles (-2.9%), fuel (-2.3%), department stores (-2%), and electrical goods (-2%).
These falls were partly offset by stronger gains in books, newspapers and stationery (+4.6%), food, beverages and tobacco in specialised stores (+3.9%), pharmaceuticals, medical and cosmetic products (+3.6%), and bars (+1.8%).
On an annual basis, retail activity decreased by 0.5% in April, overturning a downwardly revised 0.9% year-on-year increase recorded in the previous month.
