The growth in retail sales accelerated in April

In April 2014, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 403.6 million euros, which was 307 euros per inhabitant. The growth rate of retail sales in grocery stores accelerated significantly compared to the previous months. While in January the retail sales of those stores increased 5% compared to the same month of the previous year, in February 4% and in March 2%, then in April the growth was 8%. The growth in the retail sales of those stores was influenced by the discount sales campaigns that took place in April, also by the low reference base of the previous year and by the deceleration in the price increase of food products. While in March the annual price increase of food products was 1.7%, then in April 1.2%. Due to a large share, grocery stores covered a bit more than a half of the total increase of the sales of retail trade enterprises.

The retail sales in stores selling manufactured goods increased 11% compared to April 2013. The retail sales via mail order or the Internet increased the most, with retail sales increasing 30% over the year. A higher than average increase occurred also in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear (20% growth) and in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials (15% growth).

The retail sales of automotive fuel, which showed a 2% fall in February and March, took an upturn again in April and increased 3% at constant prices compared to April of the previous year.

Compared to the previous month, in April, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 4% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, the increase was 2%. In the four months (January–April) of 2014, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 6% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

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