In October the retail sales slightly increased

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 this year. A slight growth also remained in  October.

In October, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 4.8 billion kroons (305 million euros). The increase in retail sales of goods was most influenced by the stores selling manufactured goods, where the retail sales increased by 6% compared to October of 2009. The sales increased in most economic activities. The growth in retail sales was the highest in stores selling textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods, where the retail sales increased 18% during the year. The increase was continually fast in 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 17% compared to October of the previous year. The sales in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials also slightly recovered, but the retail sales of these stores could not gain growth yet in yearly comparison and the retail sales in these stores stayed at the same level as in October of the previous year.

The retail sales in grocery stores decreased 1% compared to the October of the previous year. The decrease in sales volume in these stores was caused by price increase of food products that had accelerated in October.

In October compared to the previous month, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased by 4% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data the retail sales stayed at the same level compared to the previous month. During the ten months of 2010 (January-October), the retail sales in retail trade enterprises decreased 5% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

In October the revenues from sales of retail trade enterprises were 5.9 billion kroons (376 million euros), out of which retail sales of goods accounted for 81%. Compared to October of the previous year, the revenues from sales increased 8% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased 4%.

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