Retail sales growth slightly decelerated in April
According to Statistics Estonia, in April 2013 compared to April of the previous year, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises increased 5% at constant prices. When in March the retail sales increased 7% compared to the same month of the previous year, then in April the retail sales growth slightly decelerated.
In April 2013, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 369 million euros, which was almost 287 euros per inhabitant. The retail sales in stores selling manufactured goods increased 9% compared to April 2012. The sales increased in most economic activities. Only the retail sales in non-specialized stores selling predominantly industrial goods (e.g. department stores) and in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear stayed at the same level compared to the previous year. In April, the retail sales of second-hand goods in stores and non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale) increased the most, where the retail sales increased by half (50%) compared to April of the previous year. The sales increase in these stores does not significantly influence the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises, because the share of this economic activity is very small – 1.8% in April 2013. In April, a higher than average increase in retail sales occurred in retail sales via mail order or the Internet (growth 21%), in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials (growth 16%) and in stores selling pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics (growth 14%).
The retail sales in grocery stores which slightly recovered in March turned into fall again in April and decreased 1% compared to April of the previous year. The fall in retail sales of these stores was partly influenced by the acceleration in the price increase of food products. If in April 2012 the annual price increase of food products was 1.4%, then in April this year 5.2%.
The retail sales of automotive fuel increased 13% at constant prices compared to April 2012, compared with the previous month, the retail sales growth rate slightly decelerated. The growth in retail sales of automotive fuel was influenced by the price decrease of automotive fuel. In April this year the automotive fuel was 6.6% cheaper than a year earlier.
Compared to the previous month, in April the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 1% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, the retail sales decreased one percent. During the four months (January–April), the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 4.5% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
In April the turnover of retail trade enterprises were 442.9 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 83%. Compared to April 2012, the turnover increased by 5% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased 1%.
Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend, January 2003 – April 2013 (2010 = 100)
