In June, the increase in retail sales was mostly influenced by the grocery stores
According to Statistics Estonia, in June 2013 compared to June of the previous year, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises increased 4% at constant prices. The increase in sales was mostly influenced by grocery stores, where the retail sales increased 4%.
In June 2013, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 399.8 million euros, which was 311 euros per inhabitant. Due to a large share, grocery stores covered about three quarters of the total increase of the sales of the retail trade enterprises. The growth in retail sales of grocery stores was partly influenced by the lower reference base of the previous year and by deceleration in the price increase of food products in June. If in May the annual price increase of food products was 6.6%, then in June 4.8%.
The retail sales growth rate in stores selling manufactured goods slowed down markedly in June compared to the previous months. If in April, the retail sales of those stores increased 9% and in May 10% during the year, then in June the growth was 3%. The sales increased in four and decreased in three economic activities. 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 three quarters (75%) compared to June 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 June 2013. The retail sales increased also in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials (growth 4%), in other specialized stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, photography supplies, books, sports equipment, games and toys, flowers, plants, etc. (growth 2%) and in stores selling pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics (growth 1%). The retail sales in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear, the retail sales in non-specialized stores selling predominantly industrial goods (e.g. department stores) and the retail sales via mail order or the Internet decreased compared to June 2012.
The retail sales of automotive fuel increased 5% at constant prices compared to June 2012.
Compared to the previous month, in June the retail sales in retail trade enterprises decreased 1% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, the retail sales decreased 2%. During the six months (January–June), the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 5% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
In June the turnover of retail trade enterprises were 467.8 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted 85%. Compared to June 2012, the turnover increased by 1% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator decreased 3%.
Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend, January 2003 – June 2013 (2010 = 100)
