Strong recovery for retail turnover

Retail turnover increased substantially by 5.4 percent in 2006, compared to the previous year. The main reason was the 4.6 percent increase in turnover volume. Retail prices rose marginally by 0.8 percent. The strong recovery in retail trade in 2006 follows three consecutive years of decline. In 2006, turnover was for the first time higher than in record year 2002.

High growth figures non-food shops

Non-food shops realised higher growth figures in 2006. Relative to 2005, turnover in the non-food sector grew 6.3 percent. Turnover volume increased considerably. Prices were slightly up on one year previously. The various branches in the non-food sector all generated a higher turnover than in 2005. Home decoration shops and shops selling consumer electronics performed best.

Food sector also improving

In 2006, shops selling food, drinks and tobacco generated a 3.7 percent higher turnover than in 2005. Turnover volume grew by 2.4 percent. Shop prices were 1 percent up on last year. Supermarkets had the highest growth rates within the food sector. Specialised shops in food, drinks and tobacco also had a higher turnover than one year ago.

Shopping day pattern pushes down turnover growth in December

In December 2006, retail turnover was 1.7 percent higher than in the same period last year. This is partly the result of higher retail prices. Fewer shopping days in December 2006 compared to 2005 had a negative effect on turnover. After a rough correction for the number of shopping days, turnover growth was nearly 5 percent in December.