According to information released by Statistics Estonia, in November 2018, the turnover of retail trade enterprises totaled EUR 604 million, accelerating from 3% growth YoY in October to 5% growth at constant prices.
The turnover of stores selling manufactured goods increased by 10% YoY. Turnover increased in most economic activities, except in stores selling second-hand goods and non-store retail sales (stalls, markets, direct sale), where it remained steady on year.
Turnover increased the most in other specialized stores, such as stores selling predominantly computers and computer accessories, books, sports equipment, games, toys, etc., with sales increasing by 15% YoY. A higher than average increase in turnover was likewise recorded in pharmacies and stores selling cosmetics (11%), as well as in stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and construction materials (11%).
Supermarket turnover increased by 3% YoY, influenced in part by the low reference base of the previous year as well as a deceleration in the price increase of food products.
The turnover of businesses engaged in the retail sales of automotive fuel, meanwhile, decreased by 3%.
Compared to October 2018, retail trade turnover decreased by 1% in November 2018. According to seasonally and working day adjusted data, however, turnover increased by 2% MoM. In the first 11 months of 2018, retail trade turnover increased by 1% YoY. (ERR/Business World Magazine)
