Retail turnover down

03/06/2008 15:00

Retail turnover decreased by 3.5 percent in March compared to March 2007. Turnover was lower than twelve months previously for the first time in nearly three years. In February, turnover still grew by over 9 percent. Differences in the shopping day pattern account for this rather erratic course.

The shopping day pattern in March 2008 was less favourable than in March 2007. After an approximate correction for this negative effect, retail turnover was over 1 percent up on the same month one year ago. Prices of products sold by retailers were over 2 percent up on March 2007.

The non-food sector entirely accounted for the decrease in retail turnover. Non-food turnover plummeted more than 6 percent relative to March 2007. The price increase was very modest. Prices of non-food products were more than 1 percent up on twelve months previously.

The food sector achieved more than 1 percent more turnover in March. Prices of products sold in food shops were over 4 percent higher than in March 2007. This is the most substantial price increase in six years.

The figures published in this update have been adjusted relative to retail figures published on 20 May 2008. The revision is based on new and more detailed information.