According to Statistics Estonia, in December 2013 compared to December 2012, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises increased 5% at constant prices.
Retail sales grew also in the last month of the year
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In December 2013, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 448.3 million euros, which was almost 340 euros per inhabitant. The retail sales in stores selling manufactured goods increased 12% compared to December 2012. The sales increased in most economic activities. Only the retail sales in non-specialized stores selling predominantly industrial goods (i.e. department stores) were 2% smaller than in December of the previous year. The retail sales of second-hand goods in stores and non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale) increased the most – 81% compared to the same period of the previous year. Compared with previous months, the retail sales growth of this economic activity accelerated, mainly due to the very low reference base of December 2012. The sales increase in second-hand goods stores does not significantly influence the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises, because the share of this economic activity is very small – 1.5% in December 2013. A higher than average increase occurred in retail sales via mail order or the Internet (26% growth) and in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials (21% growth). In December, the retail sales increased also in other specialized stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, photography supplies, books, sports equipment, games and toys, etc. (10% growth), in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear (8% growth) and in stores selling pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics (3% growth).
The retail sales in grocery stores have been rather stable during the last months. The retail sales in grocery stores increased 3% in December compared to the same month of 2012.
The retail sales of automotive fuel decreased 10% at constant prices compared to December 2012; the decline was faster than in the previous month. The faster decline in the retail sales of automotive fuel was partly influenced by the high reference base of December 2012 and deceleration in the price decrease of automotive fuel. In November 2013 the annual price decrease of automotive fuel was 4.7%, whereas in December it was 1.8%.
In December compared to November 2013, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased almost by a fifth at constant prices. This is a usual rise in December, when Christmas and New Year’s sales take place.
In December, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 518.2 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 87%. Compared to December 2012, the turnover increased by 3% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased 15%.
According to preliminary data, the retail sales of retail trade enterprises were 4.6 billion euros in 2013. Compared to 2012 the retail sales increased 5% at constant prices.