In July the growth in retail sales continued

In July 2015, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 480 million euros, which was 365 euros per inhabitant.

The retail sales in stores selling manufactured goods increased 23% compared to July 2014. Sales increased in all economic activities. The retail sales via mail order or the Internet increased the most, with sales increasing 55% compared to July of the previous 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. (49% growth). In July, retail sales growth continued to accelerate in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear, partly influenced by the discount sales campaigns that took place in July. In June, the retail sales of those stores took an upturn again and increased 9% compared to the same month of the previous year, whereas in July the growth was 17%. In July, the retail sales growth in stores selling manufactured goods, appliances, hardware and building materials also accelerated to some extent. The retail sales in those stores increased 14% compared to July 2014.

The retail sales growth in grocery stores also accelerated slightly in July. While in the previous three months the retail sales of those stores increased 1% compared to the same month of the previous year, then in July the growth was 2%.

The retail sales of automotive fuel increased 2% at constant prices compared to July 2014.

Compared to June, in July, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 6% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, the increase was 2%. During the seven months (January–July) of 2015, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 8% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

In July, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 558.7 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 86%. Compared to July 2014, the turnover increased by 8% at constant prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased 6%.

The statistics are based on the questionnaire “Turnover”, the deadline of which was 15.08.2015, and on the VAT declaration data from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. Statistics Estonia published the monthly summary in 9 working days.