According to information released by Statistics Estonia on March 29, the turnover of retail trade enterprises in February increased by 3% YoY at constant prices.
In February the turnover of retail trade enterprises totaled EUR 495.9 million.
The turnover of stores selling manufactured goods increased by 7% compared to February 2017. Turnover increased in five and decreased in two economic activities. Turnover increased the most in pharmacies and stores selling cosmetics, with sales increasing by 17%. Turnover increased also in stores selling via mail order or the internet (15% growth) and in other specialized stores, such as stores selling predominantly computers and their accessories, books, sports equipment, games, toys, etc. (10% growth), in non-specialized stores selling predominantly manufactured goods (e.g. department stores) (7% growth), and in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials (6% growth). The turnover of stores selling second-hand goods and in non-store retail sale (stalls, markets, direct sale) and in stores selling textiles, clothing and footwear decreased compared to last February.
The turnover of grocery stores decreased by 3% compared to February 2017, with the drop in turnover being affected by the continuing price increase of food products.
The turnover of enterprises engaged in the retail sales of automotive fuel, which decreased in January, saw an upswing once again in February, increasing by 9% YoY. Turnover growth in these enterprises was partly affected by the deceleration in the price increase of automotive fuel.
Compared to the previous month, the turnover of retail trade enterprises in February decreased by 5%. According to seasonally and working-day adjusted data, however, turnover increased by 2% compared to the previous month. (ERR/Business World Magazine)