Retail sales grew also in November

The decrease in retail sales of retail trade enterprises that had lasted for almost two and a half years compared to the same month of the previous year, turned to 1% rise in September and October in 2010. A slight growth continued also in October. In November the growth in retail sales slightly accelerated.

In November, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 4.6 billion kroons (293 million euros). The increase in retail sales of goods was most influenced by the stores selling manufactured goods, where the retail sales increased by 14% compared to November of 2009. The sales increased in most economic activities. Retail sales were the highest in stores selling other specialized stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, photography supplies, books, sports equipment, games and toys, etc. In those stores the retail sales increased 30% compared to November of the previous year. Stores selling textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods were also successful, where the retail sales increased by a fourth during the year. The retail sales in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials increased 15%.

The retail sales in grocery stores increased 1% compared to November of the previous year. More modest growth in retail sales of these stores was influenced by price increase of food products which had still accelerated in November.

Compared to the previous month, in November the retail sales in retail trade enterprises decreased by 4% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data the retail sales increased 1% compared to the previous month. During the eleven months of 2010 (January–November), the retail sales in retail trade enterprises decreased 4% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

In November the revenues from sales of retail trade enterprises were 5.7 billion kroons (364 million euros), out of which retail sales of goods accounted for 81%. Compared to November of the previous year, the revenues from sales increased 15% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator decreased 3%.

Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend, January 2002 – November 2010 (2005 = 100)