Turnover loss retail sector

The retail sector faced a 0.4 percent turnover loss in January 2013 relative to January 2012. Retail prices were 2.6 percent up, whereas the volume of retail sales was down by 3.0 percent.

Retail turnover is affected by the shopping-day pattern. The shopping-day pattern 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. Prices were 4 percent higher and the volume grew by nearly 2 percent. The turnover increase in this sector can entirely be attributed to the supermarkets.

Turnover in the non-food sector was 3.5 percent down on one year previously. Chemist shops and textile supermarkets generated more turnover, but all other branches faced losses.

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

Retail turnover