Retail sector reports largest sales gain in seven years in Q4

The Irish retail sector recorded its largest quarterly sales gain in more than seven years with a like-for-like rise of 4.2 per cent in the last quarter of 2014.

Figures published by Retail Excellence Ireland, the sector's representative body, said most sector made gains with the jewellery sector being the outstanding performer with a rise of 14.9 per cent in sales compared to the year-earlier period.

"Key drivers of spending increases in this ...