The retail sales in October were smaller than a year ago

In October, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 4.6 billion kroons. The decrease in the retail sales of goods was mainly influenced by the stores selling manufactured goods where the retail sales of goods decreased 14% compared to October of the previous year. Compared to October 2007, the retail sales of goods decreased in most economic activities, except mail order sale and retail sales of pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics. The retail sales in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear decreased the most (21%). The sales decrease of these stores was influenced by the low reference base in the previous year and by the high level of prices of clothing and footwear. The decrease in real estate and construction sector is continually influencing negatively the retail sales of stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials. In these stores the retail sales of goods decreased 18% during the year.

Compared to the previous months the retail sales in groscery stores slightly livened up, but remained at the same level compared to October of the previous year. The special sales campaigns in October contributed to the growth of retail sales in grocery stores.

Compared to September, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 3% at constant prices.

In October the revenues from the sales of retail trade enterprises were 5.5 billion kroons, out of which retail sales of goods accounted for 85%. Compared to October of the previous year, the revenues from sales decreased 2% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased 2%.

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