Retail sales grew also in March
Compared to the same month of the previous year, the retail sales of retail trade enterprises started to grow again in September 2010, after two and a half years decline. The growth continued also in October, November and December. In January this year the retail sales slightly fell but in February it turned to a rise again. The growth in retail sales continued also in March.
In March, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 304 million euros (4.7 billion kroons). The increase in retail sales of goods was influenced by the stores selling manufactured goods, where the retail sales increased 13% compared to March 2010. The sales increased in most economic activities. The growth in retail sales was the highest in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials, where the retail sales increased 28% during the year. Non-specialized stores with industrial goods predominating and other specialized stores were also successful. In these stores the retail sales increased 19% and 16%, respectively.
The retail sales in grocery stores decreased 1% compared to March of the previous year. The decrease in retail sales of these stores was continually influenced by the price increase higher than the average.
Compared to the previous month, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 16% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data the retail sales increased by 2%. During the three months of 2011 (January–March), the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 2% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
In March the revenues from sales of retail trade enterprises were 374 million euros (5.8 billion kroons), out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 81%. Compared to March 2010, the revenues from sales increased 11% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased 18%.
Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend, January 2002 – March 2011 (2005 = 100)
