Retail sales in Ireland increased 0.2% month-over-month in March 2026, following a 0.6% drop in February. The highest volume increases were recorded in electrical goods (+3.3%); hardware, paints & glass (+3%), and other retail sales (+2.4%) while the largest monthly volume decreases were seen in books, newspapers & stationery (-4.2%) and bars (-2.7%). In volume terms, fuel sales remained relatively stable, but the value soared 7.7%, reflecting the inflation currently being experienced in the sector. Year-on-year, retail sales increased 1.6% in March 2026, following an upwardly revised 1.3% gain in February.