Irish retailers have announced a drop-off in sales less than ten days before Christmas.

Retail Excellence Ireland reports that the fall in high-street spending is due to a number of factors, including, "a post Brexit and Trump erosion in consumer sentiment, a significant increase in online shopping into the UK and the forward movement of spending into the Black Friday weekend."

PA

Commenting on the trading update Lynn Drumgoole, Retail Excellence Communications Director said:

"It is disappointing to report that most sectors within the Irish Retail Industry are currently trading down against this time last year. We have witnessed a significant increase in shopping with .co.uk websites in November due to weakened sterling."

She said that the growth in the popularity of Black Friday has changed the flow of spending - meaning shoppers are spending more earlier.

Ms Drumgoole also notes that there has also been a "general deterioration in customer sentiment."

Consumer electronics, beauty and pharmacy, telecommunications, ladies wear, footwear and jewellery are all trending downwards compared to last year's sales - while logistics companies are reporting a 30% to 80% increase in packages arriving into the country from the UK.

"We still have a lot to fight for with a full week to go with two very important Saturdays, however at this juncture the situation is concerning," the group concludes.