Retail sales grew also in February

Compared to the same month of the previous year, the retail sales took an upturn in February 2011 and showed a stable growth within 2–6% till the end of the year. This January, the growth in retail sales accelerated and retail sales increased 16% during the year. In February the retail sales growth rate slowed down slightly, but still achieved a significant growth.

In February 2012, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises amounted to 305.3 million euros. The retail sales in stores selling manufactured goods increased 16% compared to February 2011. The sales increased in all economic activities. The retail sales of pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics and the retail sales in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear increased the most, where the retail sales grew during the year 24% and 22%, respectively. The growth in retail sales of these stores was influenced by the lower reference base of the previous year. Other specialized stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, photography supplies, books, sports equipment, games and toys (growth 16%) and stores selling household goods, appliances, hardware and building materials (growth 12%) were also successful in February.

The retail sales in grocery stores increased 10% compared to February of the previous year. The growth in retail sales of these stores was influenced by the low reference base of the previous year and by continuous deceleration in the price increase of food products. If in the last three months the annual price increase of food products was within 4%, then in February 2.9%.

Compared to the previous month, in February the retail sales in retail trade enterprises decreased 5% 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.

In February the revenues from sales of retail trade enterprises were 385.1 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for about 80%. Compared to February 2011, the revenues from sales increased by a fifth at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator decreased 2%.

Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend, January 2002 – February 2012 (2005 = 100)