Large increase in retail turnover

In October, retail turnover was 6 percent up on one year previously. Prices rose by over 1 percent. Turnover volume grew by almost 5 percent.

The favourable shopping day pattern positively influenced turnover growth. October 2007 had one Wednesday more and one Sunday less than October 2006. After a first correction for this effect, the turnover growth rate turned out to be about 4 percent. This is almost the same growth rate as in the first nine months of 2007. However, in 2006, turnover growth still exceeded 5 percent.

In October food stores performed especially well. Their turnover increased almost 8 percent. Especially super markets realised more turnover. With over 1 percent increase in turnover, shops specialized in food, drinks and tobacco lagged far behind the nearly 9 percent super market growth. Most of the increase in the turnover of the food sector was caused by a larger sales volume, and some by higher prices. Especially bread, dairy products and fresh vegetables were more expensive in October 2007 than the year before.

Growth in the non-food sector continues. The increase of turnover compared to the year before was 5 percent. All distinguished branches showed an increase in sales. This growth of the non-food sector is higher than in the first three quarters, but lower than in 2006 on average.

The figures on October 2007 published in this update have been adjusted from those published on 13 December 2007. The revision is based on new and more detailed information.

Retail turnover

Retail turnover