Navigate to content

Stable growth in retail sales continued in September

News
Posted on 30 October 2015, 10:00
According to Statistics Estonia, in September 2015 compared to September of the previous year, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises increased 9% at constant prices. In the last four months, retail sales have been increasing steadily by 8–9% compared to the same month of the previous year.

In September 2015, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 422.4 million euros, which was 322 euros per inhabitant.

The retail sales of stores selling manufactured goods increased 17% compared to September 2014. Sales increased in all economic activities. The retail sales of other specialised stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, stationery, books, sports equipment, games and toys, flowers, plants etc., increased the most (42% growth). A higher than average increase in retail sales occurred also in stores selling second-hand goods and in non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale) (38% growth), and in retail sales via mail order or the Internet (37% growth).

In grocery stores, the retail sales growth continued to accelerate. While in July the retail sales of those stores increased by 2% compared to the same month of the previous year and in August by 3%, then in September the growth amounted to 4%.

The retail sales of automotive fuel increased 6% at constant prices compared to September 2014.

Compared to the previous month, in September, the retail sales of retail trade enterprises decreased 7% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, however, retail sales increased 1% compared to the previous month. During the nine months (January–September) of 2015, the retail sales of retail trade enterprises increased 8% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

In September, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 498.3 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 85%. Compared to September 2014, the turnover increased by 4% at constant prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator decreased 6%.

Diagram: Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend

The statistics are based on the questionnaire “Turnover”, the deadline of which was 15.10.2015, and on the VAT declaration data from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. Statistics Estonia published the monthly summary in 10 working days.