In September, stable turnover growth of retail trade enterprises continued

In September 2017, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 552.4 million euros.

The turnover of stores selling manufactured goods increased 8% compared to September 2016. Turnover increased in most economic activities, except in non-specialized stores selling predominantly manufactured goods (e.g. department stores), where turnover was smaller than in September of the previous year. Turnover increased the most in stores selling via mail order or the Internet, where sales increased 28% in a year. A higher than average increase in turnover occurred also in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear (13%) and in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials (10%).

The turnover of grocery stores decreased 1% compared to September 2016.

The turnover of enterprises engaging in the retail sale of automotive fuel decreased 9% compared to September of the previous year. The turnover fall in these stores was partly influenced by the continuing automotive fuel price increase.

Compared to the previous month, in September, the turnover of retail trade enterprises decreased 6%. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, however, turnover increased 1% compared to the previous month. In the nine months of 2017 (January–September), the turnover of retail trade enterprises increased 2% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

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.