The stable turnover growth of retail trade enterprises continued in May

In May 2017, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 586.3 million euros.

The turnover of stores selling manufactured goods increased 5% compared to May 2016. Turnover increased in four and decreased in three economic activities. Turnover increased the most in stores selling via mail order or the Internet, with sales increasing 33% in a year. Turnover increased also in other specialised stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, photography supplies, books, sports equipment, games and toys, flowers, plants etc.(19% growth), in stores selling second-hand goods and in non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale) (3% growth) and in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials (2% growth). Compared to May of the previous year, turnover decreased in non-specialized stores selling predominantly manufactured goods (e.g. department stores), in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear and in stores selling pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics.

The turnover of grocery stores decreased 1% compared to May 2016. The turnover fall in these stores was partly influenced by the acceleration in the price increase of food products.

The turnover of enterprises engaging in the retail sale of automotive fuel decreased 1% compared to May of the previous year.

Compared to the previous month, in May, the turnover of retail trade enterprises increased 9%. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, turnover stayed at the same level compared to the previous month. In the five months of 2017 (January–May), the turnover of retail trade enterprises increased 2% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

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.