In February the retail sales slightly increased

In February, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 4.2 billion kroons, which is a half billion kroons more than at the same time a year ago. If in January 2008 compared to January of the previous year the growth of retail sales of goods decreased to zero, then in February the annual growth of retail sales in constant prices was as big as in December 2007.

The growth rate in grocery stores was slightly higher in February than in the previous months, the increase was 4% during the year. Due to the large share, grocery stores covered over 65% of the total increase in the sales of the retail trade enterprises. Retail sales of pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics increased 9%, retail sales in non-specialized stores selling industrial goods and stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear increased 7% compared to February of the previous year. The growth of retail sales of non-specialized stores selling industrial goods and stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear was due to the special sales campaign.

Compared to January, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises stayed at the same level, but according to seasonally adjusted data the retail sales increased 3%.

In February the revenues from sales of retail trade enterprises were about 5 billion kroons, of which retail sales of goods accounted for 85%. Compared to February 2007, the revenues from sales increased 14% in current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased 1%.

Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend,
January 2000 – February 2008 (corresponding month of previous year = 100)