Retail turnover almost 2 percent up in September

Retail turnover data have been adjusted for changes in the shopping-day pattern. Retail sales tend to vary from one day to the next. If the shopping-day pattern is not taken into account, retail turnover in September was 0.7 percent lower than in the same month last year.

Turnover non-food sector decreased by almost 1 percent

Turnover in the non-food sector decreased by 0.9 percent in September. The volume of sales (adjusted for price changes) was 0.2 percent down year-on-year. In March 2018, turnover was also down year-on-year (0.7 percent).

Shops selling DIY products, kitchens and flooring recorded the highest growth in September. Turnover generated by shops selling furniture also grew. Turnover generated by shops selling personal care products was about the same as in September 2017.

However, turnover of shops selling recreational goods, clothes shops, shops selling consumer electronics and white goods and shops selling footwear and leather products recorded turnover losses in September year-on-year.

Almost 4 percent higher turnover for food sector

Shops selling food, beverages and tobacco achieved 3.7 percent turnover growth in September. The volume of sales rose by 3.2 percent. Supermarkets saw 4.1 percent turnover growth and specialist shops 1.1 percent.

Online shops realise almost 13 percent turnover growth

In September, online shops saw their turnover go up by almost 13 percent year-on-year. Web shops recorded a turnover increase of almost 10 percent; their core activity is selling goods and services over the Internet. Multi-channel retailers (retailers selling goods and services over the Internet as a side activity) achieved over 18 percent higher turnover in online sales.

The figures presented in this news release are provisional and can be adjusted.