Isme calls for action as latest CSO figures show sales on high street fell by 0.9%
Retail sales fell by 0.9 per cent last month – the third largest monthly fall in over a year – as sales of cars, pharmaceuticals, books and newspapers all declined. The latest set of figures from the Central Statistic Office (CSO) showed, however, that if volatile car sales are excluded the volume of sales on the high street rose by 1.6 per cent on a monthly basis.
The data also indicated sales rose by 6.8 per cent on an annual basis. Nonetheless, the poor monthly out-turn prompted the Irish Small and Medium Enterprise organisation (Isme) to call for a temporary freezing of commercial rates to assist hard-pressed retailers.
Chief executive Mark Fielding urged newly elected local councillors to set about reducing the local authorities’ cost base, while consumer spending remains low. A breakdown of the CSO figures showed the sector with the largest monthly decline was motor trades, where sales dropped 3.8 per cent. Sales of pharmaceuticals, medical and cosmetic articles were also down by 2.2 per cent, while sales of books, newspapers and stationery fell by 1.5 per cent.
On the upside, sales of furniture and lighting sales rose by 6.4 per cent in April, while hardware, paint and glass sales grew by 3.3 per cent, and sales of food, beverages and tobacco increased by 2.4 per cent. In value terms, there was a decrease of 0.8 per cent in retail sales in April when compared with the previous month, and an annual increase of 4.4 per cent.
If motor trades are excluded, there was a monthly increase of 1.5 per cent in the value of sales and an annual increase of 2.8 per cent. Ibec group Retail Ireland said the figures were encouraging and would hopefully lead to continued growth for the rest of the year. “While the figures for the first quarter of 2014 were disappointing, April’s numbers are much stronger. Retail Ireland is forecasting growth in consumer spending of around 2 per cent this year and today’s data supports this,” Retail Ireland director Stephen Lynam said.
“There was an increase in April in the sales in supermarkets and department stores and in the sale of fuel, clothing, furniture and hardware.”“The continued double digit growth in furniture and lighting sales is indicative of a stronger property market. April’s increase of over 20 per cent is hugely welcome by a sector of retail that has had a torrid few years.”
“There were, however, falls in sales in specialised food shops like butchers and bakers, and in book stores, highlighting continued difficulties for those sectors.”
-
"A breath of fresh air. Your firm demonstrated enormous commercial understanding in turning around negotiations with a potential target vendor. I admire your style and ability to drive the deal forward. Many thanks." -
"I would like to say I'm very happy with your service, especially the audit team, your staff are always friendly, helpful and a pleasure to deal with." -
"Your business approach to clients is very impressive. I have always found that when explaining the types of service on offer, it is always concise and straight forward. The level of trust that clients place in your company and its staff speaks volumes." -
"I would like to take this opportunity to say how much we are impressed with your company's professionalism, it has been a pleasure working with you all and we look forward to working with you in the future." -
"Avid Partners - Accountants & Business Advisors are an excellent firm of accountants, their quality ethos is outstanding." -
"I have dealt with Jamie O' Hanlon, of Avid Partners - Accountants & Business Advisors Chartered Certified Accountants, for a number of years as he is auditor to one of my clients. I have always found him to be professional and responsive in his approach." -
"Service is second to none; there is always someone at the end of the phone for any business advice. The staff are very easy to get along with, very approachable and know exactly what they are talking about" -
Having got to know the company through the BNI we decided it was time to change accountant. What impressed me about Avid Partners was their professionalism. Their attention to detail was second to none and as an added bonus they are a sounding board to all of my questions. Avid also potted some irregularities in my accounts from the previous few years and saved me substantial money on the years tax bill. Avid Partners deliver a first class service which is everything you could want from an accountant and I am happy to give this endorsement. -
We at Fitzies Bar have worked with Avid Partners - Business & Financial Advisers for over five years. We find that the advice and support offered to us in addition to all of our book-keeping requirements to include payroll, VAT, etc. is invaluable and has helped to contribute to our continued growth especially in these challenging times. I would have no hesitation in recommending Avid Partners. -
Jamie and his staff are a pleasure to work with. They respond promptly to any queries we have and are critical to our financial planning and the future needs of our business. I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in accounting services. -
We at Stillorgan Cycles have used Jamie and his Team at Avid Partners – Accountants and Business Advisers for over five years. We have found that the retail advice and support offered to us is second to none and has helped to contribute to our continued growth especially in these challenging times. I would have no hesitation in recommending Avid Partners. -
I met Avid Partners through a local business networking group. We had been using the same accountants for years and found that in these harsh economic times that we were not getting good enough value or service. We were very impressed by the company's professionalism and enthusiasm and genuine interest in helping us get the most out of our business. As a result we are now clients of Avid Partners and are thrilled with our decision.
