Retail turnover almost 7 percent up in October

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 October 2021 was 4.3 percent higher than in the same month last year.

Turnover in non-food sector almost 13 percent higher

In October, turnover in the non-food sector was up by 12.7 percent year-on-year. The volume of sales (adjusted for price changes) grew by 9.2 percent compared to the same month last year. Relative to October 2019, turnover of non-food shops was up by over 14 percent in October 2021.

In October, turnover of clothes shops and shops selling footwear and leather products was again significantly higher than one year previously. It was also higher than in October 2019. Furthermore, shops selling DIY products, kitchens and flooring, shops selling personal care products, shops selling furniture and home furnishings and those selling recreational goods recorded turnover growth, both relative to October 2020 and October 2019. Shops selling consumer electronics and white goods achieved less turnover than twelve months previously, but more turnover than in October 2019.

Turnover of food shops down by almost 2 percent

Shops selling food, beverages and tobacco achieved 1.8 percent less turnover in October 2021 than in the same month last year. The volume of sales was 2.1 percent lower. Turnover at specialist shops was up by 0.8 percent, while turnover at supermarkets was down by 2.1 percent year-on-year. Relative to October 2019, the food retail sector realised over 4 percent higher turnover.

Online turnover over 3 percent higher

In October, online turnover was up by 3.4 percent year-on-year. Web shops recorded a turnover increase of 2.1 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 5.1 percent higher turnover in online sales.

Online turnover of clothing and fashion items, food and personal care products, and other non-food products was higher in October 2021 than in the same month last year. However, online sales of consumer electronics were lower than in October 2020.