In June the growth of retail sales continued

Compared to the same month of the previous year, the retail sales of retail trade enterprises started to grow again in autumn 2010, after two and a half years’ decline. In January this year the retail sales slightly fell but in February it turned to a rise again and the growth continued also in March, April, May and June.

In June, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 344 million euros (5.4 billion kroons). The increase in retail sales of goods was continually influenced by the stores selling manufactured goods, but compared to previous months the retail sales growth rate slowed down in these stores. If in March those enterprises’ retail sales increased 13% during the year, in April 9% and in May 7%, then in June the increase was 6%. The sales increased in most economic activities. Only the retail sales of pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics were smaller than in June of the previous year. With regard to this economic activity, one of the reasons for the fall in the sales was also higher reference base of the previous year. In June, the retail sales in non-specialized stores with industrial goods predominating increased the most, where the retail sales increased 13% during the year. Stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear and other specialized stores were also successful. In these stores the retail sales increased 10%.

The retail sales in grocery stores remarkably recovered in June and turned from decrease to increase again. The retail sales of these stores increased 3% compared to June 2010. The growth in retail sales of these stores was influenced by the hot weather in the first half on June and Midsummer Day that caused a rise in sales of food and beverages of summer season.

Compared to the previous month, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 4% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data the retail sales increased 2%. During the six months of 2011 (January-June), the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 3% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

In June the revenues from sales of retail trade enterprises were 422 million euros (6.6 billion kroons), out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 81%. Compared to June 2010, the revenues from sales increased 10% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased 3%.

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