Retail turnover substantially down

In March, retail turnover was 6 percent down on one year previously. Retail prices were 0.3 percent higher. The volume of turnover shrank by over 6 percent. Turnover in the sectors food and non-food declined relative to March 2008.

Retail turnover is affected by the amount of shopping days and the holiday pattern. In 2009, March had a Saturday less and a Tuesday more than in 2008. After correction for this effect, turnover was over 4 percent down on one year previously.

Turnover in the non-food sector fell by more than 7 percent. Prices remained fairly stable. In all branches within the non-food sector, turnover was lower than in March 2008. Turnover dropped most in consumer electronics shops and household appliances shops.

In the food sector, turnover dropped by 3 percent. Food prices were nearly 5 percent higher than one year previously. Supermarkets as well as shops specialised in food, drink and tobacco faced loss of turnover.

Retail turnover