Retail sales figures released by the Central Statistics Office have shown a return to consumer confidence.

Headline sales were up 0.5% in the month in volume terms in April, and up 11.9% year-on-year - the largest annual rise under the current series format.

The sectors with the largest monthly volume rises in April were Department Stores (+11.6%); Food, Beverages & Tobacco (+4.8%) and Other Retail Sales (+4.0%). The sectors with the largest monthly falls were Motors (-2.5%); Furniture & Lighting (-2.1%) and Electrical Goods (-0.8%).

An analysis by Merrion Stockbrokers suggests low interest rates and dropping prices are encouraging consumers to spend rather than save.

The strength of the Sterling against the Euro may even have reversed cross-border shopping and encouraged those in the North to travel tot he Republic for shopping trips.