Compared to March 2020, total retail trade turnover increased by 3.2% in March 2021.
Turnover of retail trade in food products grew by 2.1%. Retail trade in non-food products (except for retail sale of automotive fuel) increased by 3.6%, but turnover of retail sale of automotive fuel – by 4.9%, according to adjusted data from the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia.
Compared to March 2020, that was the first month when COVID-19 impact on retail trade was observed, the most significant turnover growth was observed in retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet (of 41.7%), retail sale of information and communication equipment in specialized stores (41.2%) and retail sale of electrical household appliances in specialized stores (37.4%). Significant turnover drop was registered in retail sale of clothing, footwear and leather goods (of 16.4%), retail trade in pharmaceutical and medical goods (12%) and retail sale in stalls or markets (6.5%).
Total retail trade turnover at current prices increased by 4.6% (not taking into account the calendar influence).
Compared to February, the total turnover of retail trade enterprises in March rose by 6.9%, according to seasonally adjusted data at constant prices. Turnover of retail trade in food products grew by 1.8%. Retail trade in non-food products (except for retail sale of automotive fuel) increased by 16.1%, but turnover of retail sale of automotive fuel reduced by 1.7%.
Compared to the previous month, the largest turnover growth was observed in retail sale of cultural and recreation goods (of 36.1%), retail sale of clothing, footwear and leather goods (26.3%) and retail sale of hardware, instruments, construction materials and sanitary equipment (25.2%).
Compared to February, in March the total retail trade turnover at current prices (not taking into account seasonality) increased by 20.3%.
Data published might be revised in the following months if additional information will be obtained from stores.
According to methodology of the survey, data on the total net turnover of enterprises also include transactions outside main activity. In some cases these transactions (e. g., wholesale trade) may significantly affect turnover changes in the sector. Total turnover, according to the main activity of enterprises, also includes income from e-commerce. (BNN/Business World Magazine)
