The stable turnover growth of retail trade enterprises continued in January

In January 2017, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 504.3 million euros.

The turnover of stores selling manufactured goods increased 11% in January 2017, compared to January 2016. Turnover increased in most economic activities; turnover was smaller than in January of the previous year only in non-specialised stores selling predominantly industrial goods (e.g. department stores). Turnover increased the most in stores selling via mail order or the Internet, with sales increasing 54% during the year. A higher-than-average increase in turnover occurred also in stores selling second-hand goods and in non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale) (25% growth) and in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials (12% growth).

In January 2017, compared to January 2016, the turnover of grocery stores decreased 1%.

The turnover of enterprises engaging in the retail sales of automotive fuel decreased 15% compared to January 2016. The turnover fall in these enterprises was influenced by the very high reference base of January 2016 and acceleration in the price increase of automotive fuel.

Compared to the previous month, in January, the turnover of retail trade enterprises decreased by almost a fifth (18%). This is a usual fall following the Christmas and end-of-year sales in December. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, turnover stayed at the same level compared to the previous month.

The statistics are based on the VAT declaration data of the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. Statistics Estonia published the monthly summary in four working days. For the statistical activity “Economic indicators of trade enterprises”, the main representative of public interest is the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, commissioned by whom Statistics Estonia performs this statistical activity.