In April, the growth in retail sales decelerated slightly

In April 2015, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 424.6 million euros, which was 323 euros per inhabitant.

The retail sales growth in stores selling manufactured goods decelerated. In March, the retail sales of those stores increased 16% compared to the same month of the previous year, whereas in April the growth was 12%. Sales increased in most economic activities. Only the retail sales in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear were 2% smaller than in April of the previous year. In April, retail sales via mail order or the Internet increased the most, with sales increasing almost by a half (48%) year over year. A higher than average increase in retail sales occurred also in other specialised stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, photography supplies, books, sports equipment, games and toys, flowers, plants etc. (29% growth) and in stores selling second-hand goods and in non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale) (27% growth).

The retail sales growth in grocery stores also decelerated in April. While in March the retail sales of those stores increased 3% compared to the same month of the previous year, then in April the growth was 1%.The growth deceleration in the retail sales of grocery stores was influenced by the high reference base of April of the previous year and by the slowdown in the price decrease of food products – in March the annual price decrease of food products was 1.7%, in April 0.2%.

The retail sales of automotive fuel increased 5% at constant prices compared to April 2014.

Compared to March, in April, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 2% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, retail sales stayed at the same level as in the previous month. During the four months (January–April) of 2015, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 7.5% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

In April, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 491.5 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 86%. The turnover increased 2% at constant prices compared to March 2015 as well as April 2014.

The statistics are based on the questionnaire “Turnover”, the deadline of which was 15 May 2015, and on the VAT declaration data from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. Statistics Estonia published the monthly summary in 9 working days.