Retail sector performs well

Retail turnover was 5 percent higher in November 2010 than in November 2009, the most substantial growth in two years. Retail prices were more than 1 percent up on twelve months previously.

Turnover growth was stimulated by a more favourable shopping-day pattern. November 2010 had an extra Tuesday and a Sunday less than November 2009. The positive effect of the shopping-day pattern is estimated at approximately 1.5 percent.

Higher supermarket sales accounted for almost 5 percent turnover increase in the food sector relative to November 2009. Turnover in the non-food sector was 4 percent up, clothes shops, household appliances shops and chemist’s shops achieved the best results. Consumer electronics shops and DIY shops also performed better. Home furnishing shops were the only category to face turnover loss compared to one year previously.

Traditional shops generate nearly 90 percent of total retail turnover, while online retailers, street selling and petrol stations accounted for the remaining part. Online retailers still contribute modestly to total retail turnover, but online selling is a rapidly growing industry (+19 percent in November).

Retail turnover

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.