The growth in retail sales accelerated to some extent in July

In July 2013, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 416.7 million euros, which was almost 324 euros per inhabitant. The retail sales in stores selling manufactured goods increased 10% compared to July 2012. The sales increased in most economic activities. Only the retail sales in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear were 3% smaller than in July of the previous year. The retail sales of second-hand goods in stores and non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale) increased the most, where the retail sales increased more than half (69%) compared to July 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 – 1.7% in July 2013. In July, a higher than average increase occurred in retail sales via mail order or the Internet (growth 34%), in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials (growth 17%) and in non-specialized stores selling predominantly industrial goods (e.g. department stores) (growth 7%).

Retail sales in grocery stores have been rather stable during the recent months. In July, the retail sales of these stores increased 4% compared to July of the previous year.

The retail sales of automotive fuel increased 1% at constant prices compared to July 2012, compared with the previous month, the retail sales’ growth rate decelerated even more. The growth rate deceleration in retail sales of automotive fuel was influenced by the high reference base of July 2012 and deceleration in the price decrease of automotive fuel. If in June the annual price decrease of automotive fuel was 2.5%, then in July 0.1%.

Compared to the previous month, in July the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 5% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, the retail sales increased 2%. During the seven months of 2013 (January–July), the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 5% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

In July the turnover of retail trade enterprises were 494.3 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 84%. Compared to July 2012 and also compared to the previous month, the turnover increased by 6% at current prices.

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