Retail turnover substantially lower

In March, retail turnover was down by nearly 6 percent on one year previously. Retail prices were 0.3 percent higher. The volume of turnover shrank by 6 percent.

Retail turnover is affected by the number 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 down by 4 percent on one year previously.

Petrol stations faced the highest turnover loss, with an 11 percent drop relative to March 2008. Fuel was far cheaper than one year before.

Turnover in the non-food sector decreased by 7 percent. Prices were nearly half a percent up on March 2008. Turnover was lower in all branches, but it decreased particularly strongly in consumer electronics and in household appliances shops.

In the food sector, turnover dropped by more than 2 percent. Food prices were nearly 5 percent higher than one year previously. Supermarkets as well as shops specialised in food, beverages and tobacco faced a loss of turnover.

Retail turnover