Compared to March 2017, the total retail trade turnover rose by 6.5% in March 2018. Turnover of retail trade in food products has increased by 6.8%, turnover of retail trade in non-food products by 6%, and turnover of retail sale of automotive fuel by 7.3%.
Compared to March of the previous year, the most significant turnover growth within the non-food products group was recorded in retail sale of hardware, paints and glass (of 19.9%), retail sale of medical and orthopaedic goods (13.1%), as well as retail sale of cosmetic and toilet articles (7.2%). The largest turnover drop, in its turn, was observed in retail sale via stalls and markets (of 15.3%), according to data from the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia.
The total retail trade turnover at current prices increased by 6.6% not taking into account the calendar influence.
Compared to February, the total turnover of retail trade enterprises rose by 2.3% in March, according to seasonally adjusted data at constant prices. Turnover of retail trade in food products increased by 2.1% and turnover of retail trade in non-food products (except for retail sale of automotive fuel) by 3.9%, while turnover of retail sale of automotive fuel fell by 1%.
Turnover rise was recorded in almost all retail trade sections, however the most significant growth was observed in retail sale of electrical household appliances (of 12.8%), retail sale of cultural and recreation goods (7.3%), retail sale of medical and orthopedic goods (11.1%), as well as retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet (8.9%).
Compared to February, the total retail trade turnover at current prices (not taking into account seasonality) grew by 15.7%; a year ago – in March 2017, compared to February – turnover grew by 13.9%. (BNN/Business World Magazine)
