Increased turnover shows that retail trade enterprises have adjusted to restrictions
According to Statistics Estonia, in April 2021, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 656 million euros. Compared to April 2020, turnover increased by 23% at constant prices – the increase was mainly the result of both trade enterprises and consumers adjusting to the restrictions related to the coronavirus crisis.
Jaanika Tiigiste, leading analyst at Statistics Estonia, said that the increase in turnover was primarily due to the very low reference base of April last year and the changes in people’s habits. “Shopping centres were closed in April last year and this year too, but now retail trade enterprises were better prepared for the restrictions and opened outdoor sales areas and online stores and also offered curbside pick-up. Also, people moved around more, which helped to increase the turnover of enterprises engaged in the retail sale of automotive fuel,” explained Tiigiste.
The turnover of stores selling manufactured goods increased by 29% compared to April 2020 and grew in all economic activities. The biggest growth at 57% was recorded in the turnover of other specialised stores selling predominantly computers and their accessories, telecommunications equipment, books, sports equipment, games, toys, flowers, plants etc. The increase in turnover was also above average in stores selling second-hand goods and in non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale) and in stores selling via mail order or the internet – the turnover of these stores grew by 45% and 31%, respectively.
Compared to April 2020, turnover increased by 12% in grocery stores and by 40% in enterprises engaged in the retail sale of automotive fuel.
In April compared to March, the turnover of retail trade enterprises decreased by 1%. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, turnover increased by 1%. In the first four months of 2021, the turnover of retail trade enterprises increased by 9% compared to the same period of the previous year.
The statistics are based on the VAT declaration data of the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. Statistics Estonia performs the statistical activity “Financial statistics of trade enterprises (monthly)” for the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications in order to determine how the Estonian economy is doing.
See also the internal trade section on our website.
More detailed data have been published in the statistical database.
For further information:
Kadri Kütt
Media Relations Manager
Marketing and Dissemination Department
Statistics Estonia
Tel +372 625 9181