The volume of retail sales are still decreasing according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Annually there has been a decrease of 3.6% while they fell 1.9% in March compared to February. If motor trades are excluded the annual decrease is 1.6%.

The sectors with the largest monthly decreases were books, newspapers and stationary, hardware, paints and glass.

The sectors with the largest month on month volume increases are Department Stores, food, beverages and tobacco specialised stores.

In reaction to figures ISME, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association, repeated its call on Government to introduce a Retail Strategy Group, consisting of all relevant players, to advise Government on policies to assist the sector.

The Association outlined that thousands of jobs were at risk due to the depressed state of consumer demand, driven by continued economic uncertainty.

CEO of ISME Mark Fielding said "the tsunami of negative influences on the retail trade continues, with increases in bank charges and reduction in bank lending, increases in local charges with a reduction in local services, while Government empty announcements mirror the empty shops. It is as if this administration has a death-wish for Retail and the 240,000 people depending on the sector for their livelihood."

"There is no doubt that without a strategic intervention, up to 40,000 jobs will be lost in the sector, as confirmed by the most recent ISME Business Trends Survey, where a Net 5% of retail SMEs expected to reduce employment in the next 12 months," he added.

While Retail Ireland, the IBEC group described the figures for March as shockingly poor.

Commenting on the figures, Retail Ireland Director Stephen Lynam said "Every category of store recorded a fall, except department stores, specialist food stores and electrical outlets. Hardware, clothing and book sales fared particularly badly. Supermarkets, pharmacies and petrol retailers also all saw a drop in sales.

"March was extremely cold and many consumers may have shunned the shops rather than brace the icy conditions. The monthly fall in the volume of sales of 1.8% was the sharpest we have seen for nearly two years.

"The continued gloom in our sector must be tackled and retail put on a sustainable path to recovery. The imminent establishment of inter-departmental group on retail, announced as part of the Action Plan for Jobs, must come up with proposals to stimulate the domestic economy. Consumers need hope and a reason to start spending."