FX.co ★ Irish Retail Sales Growth Cools in August, Signalling Softer Consumer Momentum

Ireland’s retail sector lost some momentum in August 2026, with month‑on‑month sales growth easing to 0.6%, down from a revised 1.3% increase in July 2026.

According to data updated on 30 September 2026, the August reading reflects a slowdown in the pace of expansion rather than an outright decline, as sales continued to grow but at roughly half the rate seen in the previous month. On a month‑over‑month basis, the “actual” figure for August compares the change in sales to July, while the “previous” figure of 1.3% for July was measured against June’s levels.

The softer August print suggests that Irish consumer activity remained resilient but was beginning to moderate into late summer, potentially signalling a more measured retail environment heading into the autumn months.