Sustained turnover growth in retail trade

In the second quarter of 2007, retail turnover grew by 3.1 percent relative to the same period one year previously. The volume of sales increased by 1.4 percent, retail prices went up by 1.7 percent. Mail order companies and online sellers achieved the highest growth figures: 6.2 percent turnover growth in the second quarter relative to one year previously.

The second quarter of 2007 is the eighth consecutive quarter in which turnover increased, although the incgease was more moderate than in the preceding quarter. In the first quarter of 2007, retail turnover increased by 5.2 percent.

Nearly 4 percent turnover increase in non-food sector

The non-food sector recorded the highest growth figures in the second quarter. Turnover in non-food shops rose by 3.9 percent. Prices and volume contributed equally to the growth. Within the non-food sector, shops selling consumer electronics realised the highest turnover increase. Clothes shops also performed well relative to one year ago. The turnover increase was mainly the result of higher prices.

Modest turnover increase for food shops

Turnover in shops selling food, drinks and tobacco rose by 2.0 percent in the second quarter compared to twelve months ago. Supermarket sales contributed most to this result. Sales in specialsed shops in food, drinks and tobacco, on the other hand, dropped marginally relative to one year previously. Supermarkets increased their turnover share in the food sector.