In April the decrease in retail sales continued

In April, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 4.6 billion kroons. The decrease in the retail sales of goods was most influenced by the stores selling manufactured goods, where the retail sales decreased by a fourth compared to the same period a year ago. The greatest decrease was recorded in the retail sales of other specialized stores and non-specialized stores as well as stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials.

Compared to April of the previous year, the retail sales of goods decreased in most economic activities, except the retail sale of second-hand goods in stores and other non-store retail sale, which increased 26% during the year. The sales decrease of these stores does not significantly influence the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises, because the share of this economic activity is very small, 1% in April 2009.

The decrease of retail sales in grocery stores has slowed down slightly compared to previous months. In these stores the retail sales of goods decreased 5% compared to April 2008.

Compared to March, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased by one per cent at constant prices.

In April the revenues from sales of retail trade enterprises were 5.5 billion kroons, of which the retail sales of goods accounted for about 85%. Compared to April of the previous year, the revenues from sales decreased 19% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased by one per cent.

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