Retail sales grew also in the last month of the year

The decrease in retail sales of retail trade enterprises that had lasted for almost two and a half years compared to the same month of the previous year, turned to 1% rise in September and October 2010. In November and December the growth in retail sales slightly accelerated, increasing by 5%. Summing up the year, the retail sales decreased by 4% in 2010 compared to the previous year.

In December, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 354 million euros (5.5 billion kroons). The increase in retail sales of goods was most influenced by the stores selling manufactured goods, where the retail sales increased by 11% compared to December 2009. The sales increased in most economic activities. Retail sales were the highest in other specialized stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, photography supplies, books, sports equipment, games and toys, etc. In these stores the retail sales increased 18% compared to December 2009. Stores selling textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods and non-specialized stores with industrial goods predominating were also successful, where the retail sales increased 15%. Stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials and retail sales of pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics increased 8% compared to December 2009.

Retail sales in grocery stores have been rather stable during the recent months. In December compared to December 2009, the retail sales increased 1%. More modest growth in retail sales of these stores was influenced by the accelerated price increase of food products.

Compared to November 2009, in December the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased by a fifth at constant prices. This is a usual rise in December, when Christmas marketing takes place. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data the retail sales stayed at the same level compared to the previous month.

According to preliminary data the retail sales of retail trade enterprises were 3.5 billion euros (55.2 billion kroons) in 2010, compared to 2009 the retail sales decreased 4% at constant prices.

In December the revenues from sales of retail trade enterprises were 427 million euros (6.7 billion kroons), out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 83%. Compared to December 2009, the revenues from sales increased 15% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased 17%.

Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend,
January 2002 – December 2010 (2005 = 100)