In October the decrease in retail sales continued

In October, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 4.5 billion kroons. The decrease in retail sales of goods was most influenced by the stores selling manufactured goods, where the retail sales decreased by 26% compared to October 2008. The retail sales of other specialized stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, photography supplies, books, sports equipment, games and toys, etc., decreased most or 41%. The decrease in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials which slowed down to some extent in previous months accelerated again in October. In these stores the retail sales of goods decreased 29% during the year, which was one of the greatest decreases over the last six months. The decrease in stores selling textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods, and the retail sales in non-specialized stores with industrial goods predominating slowed down remarkably compared to previous months. The retail sales of these stores decreased respectively 14% and 25% during the year. The sales campaigns organized in October contributed to the slowdown in the decrease of the retail sales in these stores.

Retail sales in grocery stores decreased 9% compared to October of the previous year. From January to June, the retail sales of these stores decreased 3–10% compared to the same month of the previous year. Since July the decrease has steadily remained within the limits of 9%.

From the beginning of the year, retail sales have decreased every month at constant prices according to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data compared to the respective previous month. Also in October, the retail sales decreased by 1% compared to the previous month.

In October the revenues from sales of retail trade enterprises were 5.4 billion kroons, out of which retail sales of goods accounted for about 85%. Compared to October of the previous year, the revenues from sales decreased 21% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased 4%.

Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend,
January 2002 – October 2009 (corresponding month of previous year = 100)