Turnover of pharmacies increased in March

The turnover growth of stores selling manufactured goods slowed down in March. While in February the turnover of these enterprises increased by 13% compared to the same month of the previous year, in March the growth was 6%. Turnover increased the most in pharmacies and stores selling cosmetics and in other specialised stores. In both economic activities, the growth was 30%. Turnover increased also in stores selling via mail order or the internet and in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials. Compared to March of the previous year, turnover decreased by 43% in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear and by 21% in non-specialised stores selling predominantly manufactured goods (department stores). Turnover decreased by 10% in stores selling second-hand goods and in non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale).

The turnover of grocery stores increased by 8% compared to March of the previous year. The turnover of enterprises engaged in the retail sale of automotive fuel decreased by 13%.

In March compared to February, the turnover of retail trade enterprises increased by 10%. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, the turnover decreased by 3%. In the first three months of 2020, the turnover of retail trade enterprises increased by 5% 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 four working days. Statistics Estonia performs the statistical activity “Financial statistics of trade enterprises (monthly)” for the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.