Retail turnover 1 percent up

Retail turnover was over 1 percent up in December 2011 from December 2010. Prices of retail commodities were 2.5 percent higher. As a result, retail volume shrank by more than 1 percent.

Retail turnover is affected by the shopping-day pattern. The effect on December’s turnover can not be measured.

Shops in the non-food sector achieved 1 percent more turnover. Clothes shops and household appliances shops generated substantially more turnover, whereas textile supermarkets and consumer electronics shops faced substantial turnover losses.

Food, drinks and tobacco shops recorded a marginal turnover growth relative to one year previously. Supermarket sales grew, but sales generated by specialist shops declined.

Petrol stations achieved a turnover growth by nearly 6 percent. Petrol prices were also nearly 6 percent higher. Apart from traditional shops and petrol stations, the retail sector also includes mail-order firms and online shops. Their turnover was 1 percent higher.

The figures in this article have been updated relative to retail figures released on 14 February 2012. The revision is based on more recent and more detailed information.

Retail turnover

Retail turnover

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.