The growth in retail sales continued in March
In March 2014, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 385.4 million euros, which was 294 euros per inhabitant. The retail sales growth in stores selling manufactured goods, which decelerated significantly in February, accelerated again in March. While in February the retail sales of those stores increased 5% during the year, then in March the growth was 12%. Sales increased in most economic activities. Only the retail sales in non-specialized stores selling predominantly industrial goods (e.g. department stores) were 2% smaller than in March of the previous year. In March, the retail sales via mail order or the Internet increased the most (38% growth). A higher than average increase occurred also in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear (32% growth) and in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials (13% growth).
The retail sales in grocery stores increased 2% compared to March of the previous year, but compared with previous months the growth in retail sales decelerated to some extent. The deceleration of retail sales growth in those stores was influenced by the high reference base of March of the previous year.
The retail sales of automotive fuel decreased 2% at constant prices compared to March 2013.
Compared to the previous month, in March, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 16% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, the increase was 3%. During the three months (January–March) of 2014, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 5% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
In March the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 466.1 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 83%. Compared to March 2013, the turnover increased by 7% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased by 17%.
Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend,
January 2004 – March 2014 (2010 = 100)
