In March the decrease in retail sales slowed down a bit

In March, 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 18% compared to the same period of the previous year. Compared to March of the previous year, the retail sales of goods decreased in most economic activities. The retail sales of other specialized stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, photography supplies, sports equipment, books, games and toys, etc., decreased most or 29%. Compared to previous months, the annual decrease in retail sales of the stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials slowed down substantially. In these stores the retail sales decreased 19% during the year. The retail sales in stores selling textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods decreased by one tenth in comparison with the same period a year ago. This was one of the smallest decreases over the last six months.

Retail sales in grocery stores decreased 8% compared to March of the previous year. Consumers are continuously hesitant about the future and restrict their expenditure on food ever more due to that.

Compared to the previous month, the retail sales of goods in retail trade enterprises decreased by one per cent at constant prices according to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data.

In March, the revenues from sales of retail trade enterprises were 5.5 billion kroons, out of which retail sales of goods accounted for 85%. Compared to March of the previous year, the revenues from sales decreased 16% at current prices.

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