Retail turnover almost 4 percent up in March

Turnover data for the retail sector have been adjusted for changes in the shopping-day pattern. Retail sales tend to vary by day. Moreover, Easter fell in April this year as opposed to March last year. This had a particular influence on turnover at shops selling food, beverages and tobacco. If the shopping-day effect is not taken into account, retail turnover in March is around 4.5 percent higher year-on-year.

Turnover growth non-food sector almost 5 percent

In March, turnover in the non-food sector rose by almost 5 percent relative to one year previously. The volume of sales (turnover corrected for price changes) was over 5 percent higher.

Turnover generated by shops selling clothing, footwear and leather products grew considerably, partly due to the good weather. DIY shops and shops selling kitchen design, floor covering, furniture, household appliances and recreational goods also achieved turnover growth.

Chemists and perfume shops as well as consumer electronic shops faced loss of turnover compared to last year, just as in February.

Small turnover growth in food retail

In March, shops selling food, beverages and tobacco achieved a turnover growth of more than 1 percent year-on-year. However, the volume of sales was nearly 0.5 percent lower. Turnover at supermarkets grew by 1.5 percent, while at specialist food shops it was more or less the same as in the previous year.

Again strong turnover growth in e-commerce

Online turnover grew by approximately 13 percent in March relative to the same month last year. Web shops recorded a surge in turnover by 10 percent; their core activity is selling goods and services over the Internet. Multi-channelers (retailers selling goods and services over the Internet and in the traditional manner) realised a turnover growth of 17 percent.