In July the decrease in retail sales accelerated

The decrease in retail sales, which had begun in spring 2008 compared to the corresponding month of the previous year, fell to the lowest level this February, decreasing 19% during the year. From March till May, retail sales decreased 14–16% compared to the same period a year ago. The decrease in retail sales slowed down to some extent in June, when retail sales decreased 11% during the year. But the deceleration was brief and the decrease in retail sales accelerated again in July.

In July, the decrease in the retail sales of goods was most influenced by the stores selling manufactured goods, where retail sales decreased by a fourth compared to July 2008. The retail sales of other specialized stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, photography supplies, games and toys, sports equipment, flowers, plants, fertilizers, etc., decreased most or 32%. In spite of the slight upswing in June in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials, the sales in these stores continued to remain in downward trend in July. In these stores the retail sales of goods decreased 27% during the year. The decrease in stores selling textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods slowed down compared to the previous months. The retail sales of these stores decreased 15% during the year, which was one of the smallest decreases over the last six months.

Retail sales in grocery stores have been rather stable during the recent months. In these stores, the retail sales decreased 9% compared to July of the previous year.

Compared to the previous month, the retail sales of goods in retail trade enterprises decreased 3% at constant prices. In grocery stores the retail sales of goods stayed at the same level compared to the previous month but in stores selling manufactured goods the retail sales decreased 5%.

In July the revenues from sales of retail trade enterprises were 5.9 billion kroons, out of which retail sales of goods accounted for about 85%. Compared to July of the previous year, the revenues from sales decreased 22% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator decreased 1%.

Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend, January 2002 – July 2009
(corresponding period of previous year =100)