At the beginning of the year the retail sales decreased

The decrease in retail sales of retail trade enterprises that had lasted for almost two and a half years compared to the same month of the previous year, turned to a rise in September 2010, which continued also in October, November and December. In January this year the retail sales slightly fell. The retail sales in January could also be influenced by transition to euro. Many people bought goods for kroons in December and cut down their expenditures in January.

In January 2011, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 262 million euros (4.1 billion kroons). The decrease in retail sales of goods was influenced by the grocery stores, where the retail sales decreased 5% compared to January 2010. The decrease in retail sales of these stores was influenced by the price increase higher than the average. The grocery stores account for about half of retail sales of retail trade enterprises.

In January the retail sales growth rate slowed down also in stores selling manufactured goods. If during the last months of 2010, those enterprises’ retail sales increased 7–15% during the year, then in January this year the increase was only 5%. The sales increased in most economic activities. Only the retail sales in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear and the retail sales of pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics were smaller than in January of the previous year. Retail sales were the highest in non-specialized stores with industrial goods predominating and in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials. In these stores the retail sales increased 16% and 11%, respectively.

Compared to the previous month, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises decreased 26% at constant prices. This is a usual fall following the Christmas time and end-of-year sales. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data the retail sales decreased 4% compared to the previous month.

In January the revenues from sales of retail trade enterprises were 320 million euros (5 billion kroons), out of which retail sales of goods accounted for 82%. Compared to January 2010, the revenues from sales increased 3% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator decreased 26%.

Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend, January 2002 – January 2011 (2005 = 100)