In May, the growth in retail sales accelerated slightly

In May 2015, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 452.9 million euros, which was 345 euros per inhabitant.

The retail sales growth in stores selling manufactured goods, which decelerated in April, accelerated again in May and sales increased 18% compared to May of the previous year. The acceleration of retail sales growth in stores selling manufactured goods was partly influenced by the very low reference base of May 2014. In May 2015, retail sales increased in most economic activities. Only the retail sales in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear were one percent smaller than in May of the previous year. Retail sales via mail order or the Internet increased the most, with sales increasing 57% year over 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. (43% growth) and in stores selling second-hand goods and in non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale) (28% growth).

The retail sales in grocery stores have been growing steadily in the last two months. Similarly to April, the retail sales of these stores increased 1% in May compared to the same month of the previous year.

The retail sales of automotive fuel increased 4% at constant prices compared to May 2014.

Compared to April, in May, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 7% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, the increase was 1%. During the five months (January–May) of 2015, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 8% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

In May, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 525.4 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 86%. Compared to May 2014, the turnover increased by 5% at constant prices. Compared to the previous month, the indicator increased 7%.

The statistics are based on the questionnaire “Turnover”, the deadline of which was 15 June 2015, and on the VAT declaration data from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. Statistics Estonia published the monthly summary in 9 working days.