Ireland’s retail sector posted a solid recovery at the start of 2026, with retail sales rising 1.5% month-over-month in January 2026, according to data updated on 27 February 2026. This marks a notable turnaround from December 2025, when sales slipped by 0.2% compared with November.
The latest figure suggests consumer activity strengthened after the year-end softness, with the January increase more than offsetting the previous month’s decline. On a month-over-month basis, the current reading reflects how sales in January 2026 compared to December 2025, while the prior -0.2% figure showed the change from December 2025 relative to November 2025.
The move back into positive territory at the beginning of the year could indicate improving consumer confidence and a healthier backdrop for Ireland’s domestic demand, though further monthly data will be needed to confirm whether this marks the start of a sustained trend.
