Retail turnover down

15/01/2009 15:00

In November 2008, retail turnover was 1.5 percent down on the same month one year previously. Prices rose by 2.6 percent. The volume of sales decreased by more than 4 percent.

The shopping-day pattern had a negative effect on retail turnover. November 2008 had a Saturday and a Sunday more and a Thursday and a Friday less than November 2007. After correction for this effect, turnover increased by 1 percent compared to the same month in 2007.

Turnover in the non-food sector declined by nearly 3 percent compared with November 2007. Turnover decreased in every segment of the sector. Chemist shops and DIY shops faced the highest turnover loss. Prices of non-food items rose by 1 percent.

Turnover in the food sector in November 2008 was approximately equal to the same month in 2007. Prices rose by more than 5 percent.