The growth in retail sales continued in March

In March 2015, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 412 million euros, which was 314 euros per inhabitant.

The retail sales in stores selling manufactured goods increased 15% compared to March 2014. Sales increased in most economic activities. Only the retail sales in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear were 2% smaller than in March of the previous year. In March, the retail sales in stores selling second-hand goods and in non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale) increased the most, with sales increasing 42% year over year. A higher than average increase occurred also in retail sales via mail order or the Internet (39% growth) and in other specialised stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, photography supplies, books, sports equipment, games and toys, flowers, plants etc. (34% growth).

The retail sales in grocery stores have shown a stable growth in recent months. Similarly to January and February, the retail sales of these stores increased 4% in March compared to the same month of the previous year.

The retail sales of automotive fuel increased 3% at constant prices compared to March 2014.

Compared to February, in March, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 14% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, the increase was 1%. During the three months (January–March) of 2015, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 8% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

In March, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 483.4 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 85%. Compared to March 2014, the turnover increased by 4% at constant prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased 14%.

The statistics are based on the questionnaire “Turnover”, the deadline of which was 15 April 2015, and on the VAT declaration data from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. Statistics Estonia published the monthly summary in 10 working days.