Over a half billion kroons more than a year earlier was spent for Christmas shopping

In December 2007 compared to December of the previous year, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises increased by 4% in constant prices. The growth in retail sales that had stayed around 20% at the beginning of 2007, slowed down significantly at the end of the year. The deceleration of the growth rate of retail sales has been influenced by a high comparison basis of the previous year, as well as by rapid growth in the prices of food products. In December 2007, compared to December of the previous year, retail sales increased in most economic activities. The biggest growth (21%) was in other specialized stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, books, photographic supplies, games, toys, etc. Stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear were also successful, where the sales increased by 18% compared to December 2006. Compared to November 2007, in December the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased by a fifth in constant prices.

In December the revenues from sales of retail trade enterprises were 6.4 billion kroons, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 85%. Compared to December 2006, the revenues from sales increased 9% in current prices, and compared to November 2007 — 18%.

According to the preliminary data the retail sales of retail trade enterprises were 53.6 billion kroons in 2007, compared to 2006 the retail sales increased 14% in constant prices.

Retail trade enterprises retail sales volume index, January–December, 2006–2007
(corresponding period of previous year = 100)