Turnover loss retail sector

The retail sector faced more than 4 percent turnover loss in December 2012 relative to December 2011. Retail prices were nearly 3 percent up, whereas the volume of retail sales was down by almost 7 percent.

Turnover generated by food, drink and tobacco shops remained stable in December relative to December 2011. Supermarket sales were up, but turnover generated by specialised food shops declined dramatically. Turnover in the non-food sector fell by nearly 7 percent. All branches in the non-food sector faced losses, but home furnishing shops, consumers electronics shops, textile supermarkets and DIY shops suffered most.

Traditional shop sales account for more than 80 percent of total retail turnover. Petrol stations, mail-order firms and online shops are also included in the retail sector. Mail-order firms and online shops generated nearly 9 percent more turnover compared to twelve months previously. Petrol stations, on the other hand, faced nearly 8 percent turnover loss.

Retail turnover is affected by the shopping-day pattern. The  shopping-day pattern was less favourable in December 2012 than in December 2011. The negative effect thereof on turnover is estimated at approximately 4 percent.

Retail turnover