In October, the growth in retail sales accelerated a little

In October 2014, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 418 million euros, which was 318 euros per inhabitant. The retail sales in stores selling manufactured goods increased 8% compared to October 2013. Sales increased in most economic activities. Only the retail sales in stores selling second-hand goods and non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale) were smaller than in October of the previous year. In October, the retail sales in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear increased the most – 14% year over year. A higher than average increase occurred also in stores selling pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics (13% growth) and in other specialized stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, stationery, books, sports equipment, games and toys etc. (13% growth). In October, the retail sales in non-specialized stores selling predominantly industrial goods (e.g. department stores), which had been falling since the beginning of the year, took an upturn again. The growth in the retail sales of these stores was partly influenced by the low reference base of the previous year and by the discount sales campaigns that took place in October.

The retail sales in grocery stores have been rather stable in recent months. In October, the retail sales in grocery stores increased 5% compared to October of the previous year.

The retail sales of automotive fuel increased 6% at constant prices compared to October 2013.

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

In October, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 507.5 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 82%. Compared to October 2013, the turnover increased 7% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased 4%.