Turnover loss retail sector

The retail sector faced a 0.5 percent turnover loss in January 2013 relative to January 2012. Retail prices were 2.6 percent up, but the volume of retail sales was down by 3 percent.

Retail turnover is affected by the shopping-day pattern, which was more favourable in January 2013 than in January 2012. The positive effect thereof on turnover is estimated at approximately 2 percent.

Turnover generated by food, drink and tobacco shops was up by nearly 6 percent from one year previously. Prices were 4 percent higher and the volume of sales grew by 1.5 percent. The turnover increase in this sector can entirely be attributed to the supermarkets.

Turnover in the non-food sector was 3 percent down from one year previously. Chemist shops and textile supermarkets realised turnover growth, but all other branches within the non-food sector faced loss of turnover.

Mail-order firms and online shops generated 3 percent more turnover than twelve months previously.

Retail turnover

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.

For more information on economic indicators, see the Economic Monitor.