Compared to March 2016, total retail trade turnover in Latvia rose by 1.5% in March 2017. Turnover of retail trade in food products declined by 0.8%, whereas turnover of retail trade in non-food products grew by 3.3%.
The most significant turnover growth in the non-food product group was recorded in retail sale of information and communication equipment (19.3%), retail sale of cultural and recreation goods (18.3%) and in retail sale automotive fuel (12%), according to data from the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia.
A drop in turnover was experienced in retail sale via stalls and markets (8.1%), retail sale in non-specialized stores with non-food products predominating (5.6%) and retail sale of clothing and footwear (2.7%).
Total retail trade turnover at current prices increased by 8.2% (not taking into account the calendar influence).
Compared to February, retail trade turnover increased by 0.1% in March, according to seasonally adjusted data at constant prices. Turnover of retail trade in food products decreased by 0.5%, whereas the turnover of retail trade in non-food products rose by 0.4%.
Growth in turnover was recorded in retail sale of information and communication equipment (11.9%), retail sale of cultural and recreation goods (7.5%) retail sale via stalls and markets (4.8%), retail sale of pharmaceutical and medical goods (1.8%), as well as in retail sale of automotive fuel (0.4%). In turn, a drop in turnover was experienced in retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet (5.8%), retail sale in non-specialized stores with non-food products predominating (3.9%), retail sale of clothing, footwear and leather goods (of 3.8%) and in retail sale of hardware, paints and glass (1.1%).
Compared to February, the total retail trade turnover at current prices in March rose by 13.6%. A year before – in March 2016, compared to February – the turnover increased by 10.6%. (BNN/Business World Magazine)
