Retail sales rose marginally during the fourth quarter of 2012, according to the latest statistics from Retail Excellence Ireland.

The best performing sectors during the quarter were hot beverages, which increased 4.23 per cent and home and giftware, which was up 2.18 per cent.

Furniture and flooring was the worst performing sector falling 2.12 per cent in the quarter.

Home dependent sectors such as furniture and flooring are continuing to suffer due to the lack of a functioning residential property market, REI chief executive officer David Fitzsimons said.