In August, the growth in retail sales decelerated slightly
According to Statistics Estonia, in August 2015 compared to August of the previous year, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises increased 8% at constant prices. In July, the retail sales increased 9% compared to the same month of the previous year, whereas in August the retail sales growth decelerated slightly.
In August 2015, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 454.8 million euros, which was 346 euros per inhabitant.
The retail sales growth in stores selling manufactured goods slowed down markedly in August. The retail sales of those stores increased 23% in July compared to the corresponding month of the previous year, whereas in August the increase was 15%. Sales increased in all economic activities. The retail sales via mail order or the Internet increased the most, with sales increasing 40% compared to the same month of the previous year. A higher than average increase in retail sales occurred also in other specialised stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, photography supplies, books, sports equipment, games and toys, flowers, plants etc. (36% growth) and in stores selling second-hand goods and in non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale) (19% growth).
The retail sales in grocery stores increased 3% compared to August 2014.
The retail sales of automotive fuel increased 9% at constant prices compared to August of the previous year, which was a significantly faster growth than in July. The acceleration in the growth in the retail sales of automotive fuel was partly influenced by the acceleration in the price decrease of automotive fuel. In July of this year the annual price decrease of automotive fuel was 11.6%, while in August it was 14.4%.
Compared to the previous month, in August, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises decreased 4% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, the decrease was 1%. During the eight months (January–August) of 2015, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 8% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
In August, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 529.2 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 86%. Compared to August 2014, the turnover increased by 5% at constant prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator decreased 5%.
The statistics are based on the questionnaire “Turnover”, the deadline of which was 15.09.2015, and on the VAT declaration data from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. Statistics Estonia published the monthly summary in 11 working days.