Retail sector faces turnover loss

The retail sector faced nearly 5 percent turnover loss in February 2013 relative to February 2012. Retail prices were nearly 3 percent up, whereas the volume of retail sales was down by more than 7 percent. Retail turnover is affected by the shopping-day pattern. As last year was a leap year, February 2013 had one shopping day less than February 2012. The negative effect thereof on turnover is estimated at nearly 4 percent.

Turnover generated by food, drink and tobacco shops was more than 1 percent down from twelve months previously. Prices were nearly 4 percent higher, the volume of sales shrank by nearly 5 percent. Turnover in the non-food sector was more than 7 percent down from February 2012. Turnover fell across the board, but DIY-shops, textile supermarkets and consumer electronics shops suffered most.

Mail-order firms and online shops realised a 1 percent turnover growth in February relative to twelve months previously.

Retail turnover