The stable growth in retail sales continued also in the last month of the year

In December 2014, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 463.9 million euros, which was 353 euros per inhabitant.

The retail sales in stores selling manufactured goods increased 7% at constant prices compared to December 2013. Sales increased in most economic activities. Only the retail sales in non-specialized stores selling predominantly industrial goods (e.g. department stores) and in stores selling second-hand goods and non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale) were smaller than in December of the previous year. The retail sales via mail order or the Internet increased the most, with sales increasing slightly more than a fifth (22%). The retail sales increased also in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials (9% growth), in stores selling pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics (9% growth), in other specialized stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, photography supplies, books, sports equipment, games and toys etc. (8% growth) and in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear (6% growth).

The retail sales in grocery stores increased 3% compared to December 2013.

The retail sales of automotive fuel increased 10% at constant prices compared to December of the previous year, which was a significantly faster growth than in November. The acceleration in the growth in the retail sales of automotive fuel was influenced by the low reference base of December 2013 and the acceleration in the price decrease of automotive fuel. In November 2014 the annual price decrease of automotive fuel was 4.4%, while in December it was 14.1%.

In December compared to November 2014, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased almost by a fifth (19%) at constant prices. This is a usual rise in December when Christmas marketing takes place.

In December, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 543.6 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 85%. Compared to December 2013, the turnover increased by 5% at current prices. Compared to November 2014, this indicator increased 13%.

According to preliminary data, the retail sales of retail trade enterprises were nearly 4.9 billion euros in 2014; compared to 2013, the retail sales increased 6% at constant prices.