Retail turnover nearly 4 percent up

02/07/2008 15:00

Retail turnover was nearly 4 percent higher in April 2008 than in April 2007, whereas in March retail turnover was nearly 4 percent lower than twelve months previously. Prices of retail products were nearly 2 percent up on April 2007.

Differences in the shopping day pattern account for the rather erratic course of retail turnover. The shopping day pattern in April 2008 was more favourable than in April 2007. After correction for the positive effect of the shopping day pattern, turnover increased by approximately 0.5 percent.

With an increase of nearly 7 percent, food shops accounted for most of the increase in retail turnover. Supermarkets saw turnover increase by over 8 percent, while specialised shops in food, drinks and tobacco faced a turnover loss of more than 2 percent relative to April 2007. Prices soared in the food sector. Prices of food products were more than 4 percent higher than twelve months ago.

The non-food sector realised only 1 percent more turnover in April. Clothes shops and textile supermarkets faced severe losses, possibly because the weather was less warm and sunny than in April last year. Shops selling household articles, on the other hand, performed well, as their turnover rose by around 10 percent.

The figures published in this update have been adjusted relative to the April retail figures released on 12 June 2008. The revision is based on new and more detailed information.