FX.co ★ Ireland Retail Sales Fall 0.6% in May

In May 2025, retail sales in Ireland experienced a 0.6% decrease compared to the previous month, in contrast to the revised 1.0% growth seen in April. The decline was largely attributed to reduced demand across several significant sectors, including department stores, which saw a 3.7% drop versus a 6.1% increase in April. Similarly, sales decreased in the categories of food, beverages, and tobacco by 2.2% compared to a 1.3% rise, hardware, paints, and glass by 1.5% following a minimal 0.2% decline, electrical goods by 1.3% versus a 1.1% dip, and books, newspapers, and stationery by 1.0% after a 1.9% gain. Non-specialised stores remained unchanged at a 0.6% decrease from April. However, other retail segments displayed positive growth, with other retail categories climbing 3.0% compared to a 0.9% fall previously, fuel sales up by 2.2% from a 0.4% increase, bars rising by 1.2% versus a 0.2% decline, and furniture and lighting also advancing by 1.2%, though down from a 3.2% rise. Annually, retail trade saw a 1.6% increase in May, cooling from the revised 2.7% growth recorded in April.