Retail turnover nearly 2 percent up

Retail turnover was nearly 2 percent up in May 2012 from May 2011. Retail turnover is affected by the shopping-day and holiday pattern. The shopping-day pattern was more favourable in May 2012 than in May 2011, but the positive effect on sales can not be measured. Retail prices were 2 percent higher. The volume of retail sales was marginally down from twelve months previously.

Food, drinks and tobacco shops achieved 6 percent more turnover in May. Supermarket sales entirely accounted for May’s turnover growth.

The non-food sector faced 1 percent turnover loss. Differences within the non-food sector were substantial. Home furnishing shops, DIY shops and textile supermarkets struggled with declining sales, whereas consumer electronics shops, clothes shops and chemist’s shops achieved turnover growth relative to one year previously.

Petrol stations faced a 1 percent turnover loss. Apart from traditional shops and petrol stations, the retail sector also includes mail-order firms and online shops. They achieved 8 percent turnover growth in May.

Retail turnover

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.