At the beginning of the year retail sales accelerated to some extent

In the last three months of 2013, the retail sales have increased 4–6% compared to the same month of the previous year. This January, the retail sales growth accelerated to some extent.

In January 2014, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 366.1 million euros, which was 279 euros per inhabitant. The retail sales in stores selling manufactured goods increased 12% compared to January 2013. The sales increased in all economic activities. The retail sales via mail order or the Internet increased the most (32% growth). In January, the retail sales growth in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear accelerated remarkably with the retail sales increasing 23% over the year. The growth in retail sales of these stores was influenced by the lower reference base of the previous year and by the discount sales campaigns that took place in January. A higher-than-average increase occurred also in other specialized stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, photography supplies, books, sports equipment, games and toys, etc. (14% growth).

The retail sales in grocery stores increased 5% compared to January of the previous year. In comparison with the previous months, the retail sales growth in these stores accelerated slightly. The growth acceleration in the retail sales of grocery stores was influenced by the lower reference base of the previous year and by the deceleration in the price increase of food products. While in January of the previous year, the annual price increase of food products was 5.5%, then in this January it was 2.5%.

The retail sales of automotive fuel increased 4% at constant prices compared to January 2013.

Compared to the previous month, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises decreased almost by a fifth (18%) at constant prices in January. 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 increased 3% compared to the previous month.

In January, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 440.8 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 83%. Compared to January 2013, the turnover increased by 9% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator decreased 14%.

Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend,
January 2004 – January 2014 (2010 = 100)