In February, the turnover growth of retail trade enterprises decelerated slightly
According to Statistics Estonia, in February 2017, compared to February 2016, the turnover of retail trade enterprises increased 1% at constant prices. While in January, the turnover increased 2% compared to the same month of the previous year, in February the growth decelerated slightly.
In February 2017, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 466.9 million euros.
The turnover growth in stores selling manufactured goods slowed down in February. While in January, the turnover of those stores increased 11% compared to the same month of the previous year, in February the growth was 3%. The turnover of stores increased in four and decreased in three economic activities. Turnover increased the most in stores selling via mail order or the Internet, with sales increasing 39% during the year. Turnover increased also in stores selling second-hand goods and in non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale) (16% growth), in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials (7% growth) and in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear (4% growth). The turnover of stores selling pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics, in other specialized stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, books, sports equipment, games and toys etc. and in non-specialized stores selling predominantly industrial goods (e.g. department stores) decreased compared to February of the previous year.
The turnover of grocery stores decreased 2% compared to February 2016. The turnover fall in these stores was partly influenced by the high reference base of February 2016 and acceleration in the price increase of food products.
The turnover of enterprises engaging in the retail sales of automotive fuel, which showed a fall in the previous months, turned upwards again in February and increased 7% compared to February of the previous year.
Compared to the previous month, in February, the turnover of retail trade enterprises decreased 9%. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, turnover stayed at the same level compared to the previous month.
The statistics are based on the VAT declaration data of the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. Statistics Estonia published the monthly summary in five working days. For the statistical activity “Economic indicators of trade enterprises”, the main representative of public interest is the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, commissioned by whom Statistics Estonia performs this statistical activity.