The rate of decline in retail sales in Ireland has eased to 8% for the first quarter of 2010.

A rise in sales in the jewellery, ladies fashion and footwear sectors is helping the positive trend – according to Retail Excellence Ireland.

Menswear was again the worst performing sector in terms of sales, reporting a 12% drop compared with the same period in 2009.

The group says that while the figures mean that sales in the sector are down for the 25th month running, a return to growth is imminent.

Retail Excellence Ireland also says that the current rate of price deflation cannot continue and traders are likely to reassess pricing strategies in future.