The growth in retail sales accelerated to some extent in October

Photo: Andres Haabu / Postimees

According to Statistics Estonia, in October 2013 compared to October of the previous year, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises increased 7% at constant prices. In September the retail sales increased 4% compared to the same month of the previous year, while in October the retail sales growth accelerated to some extent.

In October 2013, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 395.1 million euros, which was 307 euros per inhabitant. The retail sales growth rate in stores selling manufactured goods accelerated compared to the previous months. While in August and September, the retail sales of those stores increased 9% compared to the same period of the previous year, then in October the growth was 13%. The sales increased in most economic activities. Only in non-specialised stores selling predominantly industrial goods (e.g. department stores) were the retail sales 3% smaller than in October of the previous year. The retail sales of stores selling second-hand goods and non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale) increased the most, by more than half (67%) compared to October of the previous year. The sales increase in the stores of this economic activity does not significantly influence the retail sales of goods, because the share of this economic activity is very small – 1.9% in October 2013. In October, a higher than average increase occurred in retail sales via mail order or the Internet (a growth of 28%), in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials (a growth of 22%) and in other specialised stores, such as stores selling computers and their accessories, photography supplies, books, sports equipment, games and toys (a growth of 12%).

The retail sales in grocery stores increased 4% compared to October of the previous year, compared with the previous months the retail sales growth rate accelerated to some extent. The growth in the retail sales of these stores was influenced by the discount sales campaigns that took place in October, also by the lower reference base of the previous year and by the deceleration in the price increase of food products. While in September, the annual price increase of food products was 2.7%, then in October it was 1.7%.

The retail sales of automotive fuel increased 2% at constant prices compared to October 2012.

Compared to the previous month, in October the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 6% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data, the retail sales increased 1%. During the ten months (January–October) of 2013, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 5% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

In October, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was 475.3 million euros, out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 83%. Compared to October 2012, the turnover increased by 5% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased 6%.

Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend, January 2003 – October 2013 (2010 = 100)