In February the retail sales slightly increased

Compared to the same month of the previous year, the retail sales of retail trade enterprises started to increase in September 2010, the growth continued in October, November and December. In January this year the retail sales slightly fell but in February it turned to a rise again.

In February, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 260 million euros (4.1 billion kroons). The increase in retail sales of goods was most influenced by the stores selling manufactured goods, where the retail sales decreased 10% compared to February 2010. The sales increased in most economic activities. Only the retail sales in stores selling textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods and the retail sales of pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics were smaller than in February of the previous year. The retail sales were the highest in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials and in non-specialized stores with industrial goods predominating. In these stores the retail sales increased 26% and 24%, respectively.

Compared to February of the previous year, the retail sales in grocery stores decreased 3%, mainly influenced by the price increase of food products that had still accelerated in February.

Compared to the previous month, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises decreased 2% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data the retail sales increased 2% compared to the previous month.

In February 2011, the revenues from sales of retail trade enterprises were 317 million euros (nearly 5 billion kroons), out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 82%. Compared to February 2010, the revenues from sales increased 8% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator decreased 1%.

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