Wintry weather conditions have negative effect on retail turnover

Retail turnover was nearly 1 percent higher in December 2010 than in December 2009. In November, turnover still grew by nearly 5 percent. The harsh weather conditions in December made a trip to the shops more difficult than usual. December’s turnover growth was also affected by a more favourable shopping-day pattern. After a rough correction for this effect, the retail sector faced 1 percent turnover loss. Retail prices were 2 percent up on twelve months previously.

The non-food sector lost nearly 3 percent of its turnover in December relative to December 2009 after having achieved excellent results in November. Turnover losses were spread across the entire sector. Home furnishing shops lost 5 percent. Turnover generated by clothing shops also declined considerably.

Turnover in the food sector, on the other hand, grew by more than 3 percent. The sector benefited considerably from the more favourable shopping day pattern. Supermarket sales were 4 percent higher. Turnover of specialised food shops was about the same as in December 2009.

Unlike traditional shopkeepers, online retailers performed well. Turnover in this sector was no less than 14 percent up on one year previously. Online retailers still contribute modestly to total retail turnover, but online buying and selling is rapidly gaining in popularity.

Petrol stations achieved a turnover growth of nearly 8 percent, but petrol prices were more than 13 percent up on December 2009. Petrol stations account for approximately one tent of total retail turnover.

Retail turnover

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.