Stable growth in retail sales continued in September
In September 2014, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 399 million euros, which was 303 euros per inhabitant. The retail sales in stores selling manufactured goods increased 9% compared to September 2013. Sales increased in most economic activities. Only the retail sales in non-specialized stores selling predominantly industrial goods (e.g. department stores) were smaller than in September of the previous year. The retail sales via mail order or the Internet increased the most, with sales increasing almost by a fourth (24%) compared to the previous year. A higher than average increase occurred also in stores selling pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics (15% growth), in stores selling second-hand goods and in non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale) (12% growth), in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear (11% growth) and in other specialized stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, stationery, books, sports equipment, games and toys etc. (11% growth).
In September, the retail sales growth in grocery stores slowed down to some extent compared to the previous months. The retail sales of those stores increased 7% in July and 6% in August compared to the corresponding months in 2013, whereas in September the growth was 4%. The growth deceleration in the retail sales of grocery stores was partly influenced by the slowdown in the price decrease of food products – in July the annual price decrease of food products was 2%, in August 1.7%, but only 0.2%in September.
The retail sales of automotive fuel increased 9% at constant prices compared to September 2013.
Compared to the previous month, in September, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises decreased 7% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, the retail sales stayed at the same level compared to the previous month. During the nine months (January–September) of 2014, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 6.5% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
In September, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 490.9 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 81%. Compared to September 2013, the turnover increased by 10% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator decreased 4%.
