Retail sector faces turnover loss

The retail sector faced 4.7 percent turnover loss in February 2013 relative to February 2012. Retail prices were 2.6 percent up, whereas the volume of retail sales was down by 7.1 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 1.2 percent down from twelve months previously. Prices were 3.6 percent higher, the volume of sales shrank by 4.7 percent. Turnover in the non-food sector was 7.1 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 1.4 percent turnover growth in February relative to twelve months previously.

Retail turnover