Stable growth in retail sales continued also in August

In August, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 347 million euros. The increase in retail sales of goods was most of all influenced by the stores selling manufactured goods, where retail sales increased by a tenth compared to August 2010. Sales increased in most economic activities. Only the retail sales of pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics and the retail sales in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear were smaller than in August of the previous year. The growth in turnover was the largest in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials, where retail sales increased 16% during the year. Non-specialized stores with industrial goods predominating and other specialized stores were also successful. Compared to August 2010, retail sales in these stores increased 15% and 13%, respectively.

The retail sales in grocery stores remained at the same level compared to August of the previous year. The growth in the sales volume of these stores was retarded by price increase which was faster than the average.

Compared to the previous month, the retail sales of goods in retail trade enterprises decreased 3% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, retail sales decreased 1%. During eight months of 2011 (January – August), the retail sales of goods in retail trade enterprises increased 3% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

In August the net sales of retail trade enterprises were almost 435 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 80%. Compared to August 2010, net sales increased 13% at current prices. But compared to the previous month, this indicator decreased 1%.

Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend, January 2002 – August 2011 (2005 =100)