Retail Excellence Ireland, Ireland’s largest industry trade body, said that it welcomes the increase in consumer sentiment in January 2013. The latest KBC Ireland/ESRI Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 64.2 in January from 49.8 in December.
David Fitzsimons, CEO Retail Excellence Ireland, said: “The latest consumer sentiment index shows that the positive Christmas sales figures reported by REI in January may have contributed to this increase in consumer sentiment. Also, many retailers discounted heavily in December to generate sales.
“However, the market remains fragile and consumers are still nervous about spending. We are hoping that this increase in consumer sentiment will continue through the beginning of 2013.”
