Retail figures for the last three months of 2014 show sales growth of 4.22% - the biggest quarterly gain recorded in the Irish retail sector since 2007.

According to the Retail Excellence Ireland survey, most sectors recorded strong gains with the jewellery sector being the outstanding performer, recording a 15% increase compared to the same three months in 2013.

Some of this was put down to spending by both Asian tourists coming to Ireland to shop, as well as growth in demand for branded fashion goods.

Other strong areas of growth was in the fashion and footwear sectors, but the worst performing sectors were photo and pharmacy, which shrank by a further 35% in the three month period.

The survey showed that menswear was the most productive area in fashion, with sales gains of 8.81%.

Footwear increased by nearly 5% after good weather in the previous three month period meant winter shoes were not selling very well.

"While the quarter proved productive, it is important to note that much of the sales gains were at the cost of margin, with November and specifically Black Friday witnessing aggressive discounting activity," Retail Excellence Ireland's deputy chief executive Seán Murphy said.