Retail turnover marginally higher

Retail turnover was 1 percent up in January 2012 from January 2011. Prices of retail commodities sold in January were almost 3 percent higher. As a result, the volume of retail sales shrank by nearly 2 percent.

Shops in the non-food sector suffered a turnover loss of 1 percent. Household appliances shops generated a substantial turnover growth, whereas home furnishing and consumer electronics sales dropped dramatically.

Food, drinks and tobacco shops recorded a 3 percent turnover growth relative to one year previously. Supermarket sales grew considerably, but sales generated by specialist shops declined.

Petrol stations achieved a turnover growth by nearly 3 percent. Petrol prices were 7 percent higher. Apart from traditional shops and petrol stations, the retail sector also includes mail-order firms and online shops. Their turnover was 7 percent up.

Retail turnover

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.