Retail turnover 4 percent up in February

Retail turnover data have been adjusted for changes in the shopping-day pattern. As 2016 was a leap year, February had one day extra. If this effect is not taken into account, retail turnover would have been more than 1 percent higher than in February 2016.

Turnover growth food shops

In February, food, drinks and tobacco shops had an almost 4 percent higher turnover, while the volume of sales rose by nearly 2 percent. Turnover generated by supermarkets grew by 4.5 percent; specialist food shops faced a turnover decline of 1.5 percent.

Small turnover growth non-food sector

In February, turnover in the non-food sector rose by 1 percent relative to one year previously. Turnover growth is mainly due to higher consumer prices, because the volume of sales was 0.5 percent down from the previous year.

DIY shops, kitchen design and floor covering shops and furniture and household appliances shops boasted above-average growth figures. Clothing shops and shoe shops also achieved a small turnover growth on an annual basis, but the volume of sales was down by nearly 4 percent.

Chemist shops and perfume shops, consumer electronic shops and shops selling recreation articles faced loss of turnover compared to last year. Shops selling footwear and leather products also had to cope with considerably lower turnover figures.

Strong turnover growth e-shops

Online turnover grew by approximately 13 percent in January relative to the same month last year. Web shops recorded a surge in turnover by more than 15 percent; their core activity is selling goods and services over the internet. Multi-channelers (retailers selling goods and services over the internet and in the traditional manner) realised a 10 percent turnover growth.