Compared to August 2019, total retail trade turnover rose by 4.4% in August 2020. Turnover of retail trade in food products grew by 4.1%.
Retail trade in non-food products (except for retail sale of automotive fuel) increased by 2%, while turnover of retail sale of automotive fuel – by 11.3%, according to data from the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia.
As compared to August 2019, the most notable turnover growth was registered in retail sale of electrical household appliances in specialized stores (of 26%), retail sale of cultural and recreation goods (11.2%) and retail sale in non-specialized stores selling mainly non-food products (9.5%).
Significant turnover drop was registered in retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet (of 31.3%), which was affected by the change of registration country of one of leading participants of the sector. Retail trade data are compiled only on enterprises registered in Latvia. In turn, retail sale in stalls or markets decreased by 14.4%.
Total retail trade turnover at current prices increased by 2% without taking into account the calendar influence.
Compared to July, the total turnover of retail trade enterprises rose by 0.9% in August, according to seasonally adjusted data at constant prices. Turnover of retail trade in food products grew by 1.4%. Retail trade in non-food products (except for retail sale of automotive fuel) decreased by 0.1%, but turnover of retail sale of automotive fuel – increased by 2.6%.
As compared to the previous month, the largest turnover growth was registered in retail sale of clothing, footwear and leather goods (of 4.7%), retail sale in non-specialized stores selling mainly non-food products (3.9%) and retail sale of electrical household appliances in specialized stores (2.6%). The largest turnover drop was registered in retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet (of 9.8%) and retail sale in stalls or markets (4.2%).
Compared to July, the total retail trade turnover at current prices, without taking into account seasonality, decreased by 0.7% in August. (BNN/Business World Magazine)