The growth in retail sales accelerated to some extent in May

In May 2013, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 405.6 million euros, which was 315 euros per inhabitant. The retail sales in stores selling manufactured goods increased 11% compared to May 2012. The sales increased in all economic activities. The increase was the biggest in the retail sales of second-hand stores and non-store retail sales (stalls, markets, direct sale), where retail sales increased by more than a half (53%) compared to May of the previous year. The sales increase in these stores does not significantly influence the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises, because the share of this economic activity is very small – 1.8% in May 2013. In May, a higher than average increase in retail sales occurred in the stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials (17% growth), in retail sales via mail order or the Internet (10% growth), in other specialized stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, photography supplies, books, sports equipment, games and toys, flowers, plants etc. (10% growth), and in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear (8% growth).

The retail sales in grocery stores, which showed a 1% fall in April, took an upturn again in May and increased 3% compared to May of the previous year. The growth in the retail sales of these stores was partly influenced by the discount sales campaigns that took place in May.

The retail sales of automotive fuel increased 10% at constant prices compared to May 2012. The growth was influenced by the price decrease of automotive fuel. In May this year, automotive fuel was 5.6% cheaper than a year earlier.

Compared to the previous month, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises in May increased by a tenth at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, the retail sales increased 3%. During the five months (January–May) of 2013, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 5% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

In May the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 486.3 million euros, with the retail sales of goods accounting for 83% of this amount. Compared to May 2012, the turnover increased by 7% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased 10%.

Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend,
January 2003 – May 2013 (2010 = 100)