Retail sales grew also in May

Compared to the same month of the previous year, the retail sales of retail trade enterprises started to grow again in autumn 2010, after two and a half years’ decline. In January this year the retail sales slightly fell but in February it turned to a rise again and the growth continued in March, April and May.

In May, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 330 million euros (5.2 billion kroons). The increase in retail sales of goods was continually influenced by the stores selling manufactured goods, but compared to previous months the retail sales growth rate slightly slowed down in these stores. If during the last three months, the retail sales of those enterprises increased 9–13% during the year, then in May the growth was 7%. The sales increased in most economic activities. Only the retail sales of pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics and retail sales in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear were smaller than in May of the previous year. With regard to these economic activities, one of the reasons for the fall in the sales was also higher reference base of the previous year. In May, the retail sales in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials increased the most, where the retail sales increased 14% during the year.

The retail sales in grocery stores, which slightly recovered in April, turned into a fall again in May. If in April the retail sales of these stores increased 1%, then in May the retail sales of these stores decreased 1% compared to the same month a year ago. The decrease in retail sales of grocery stores was continually influenced by the price increase higher than the average.

Compared to the previous month, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 6% 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. During the five months of 2011 (January–May), the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 2.5% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

In May the revenues from sales of retail trade enterprises were 408 million euros (6.4 billion kroons), of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 81%. Compared to May 2010, the revenues from sales increased 9% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased 7%.

Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend, January 2002 – May 2011 (2005 = 100)