Retail turnover considerably higher

In August 2006, retailers generated 10 percent more turnover than in the same month of 2005. Turnover in food shops was 7 percent higher and turnover in non-food increased by 11 percent. Retail prices in August were up by almost 2 percent on August 2005. It was the largest increase in retail prices in four years.

Turnover growth was positively affected by the shopping day patterns. However, even after a rough correction for this effect, turnover remained considerably higher than in August 2005 with an increase of 8 percent.

In August, supermarkets generated almost 8 percent more turnover and specialized shops in the food sector almost 3 percent. In the non-food sector the largest increase was generated by shops selling clothing and shops selling home furnishings. Retailers selling consumer electronics had substantially higher turnover levels as well.

Retailers are doing quite well in the first eight months of 2006, after a three year period with declining sales. They generated over 6 percent more turnover than in the same period of the previous year.

Changes in retail turnover are a first indication of changes in household consumption expenditure. For more information on monthly retail turnover statistics and on consumption see the Focus article Short-term statistics on retail trade and consumption by households published on 31 August 2006. 

Turnover in retail trade