The volume of retail sales fell by 0.7% in June when compared with the previous month.

It brings the annual decrease to 5.5%.

If motor sales are left out retail sales fell by 1.5% in June compared to May.

Food, beverages and tobacco sales were the worst hit in June falling by nearly 10%.

Hardware, paints and glass were down 4.8% while fuel fell by nearly 4% last month.

However a monthly increase was seen in electrical goods of 2.9%, and books, newspapers & stationery increased by 2.6%.

Meanwhile the value of retail sales also decreased June.

It fell by 1.3% compared to May this year contributing to an annual decrease of 4.9%.