Retail trade turnover increases by 3% in Latvia

  • 2014-01-30
  • From wire reports, RIGA

Total Latvian retail trade turnover in 2013 rose 3.8 percent from 2012, according to new figures from the Central Statistical Bureau.

Retail trade in food products increased 4.4 percent, whereas retail trade in non-food products grew 3.4 percent.

Compared to December 2012, total retail trade turnover in December 2013 rose 4.2 percent, according to calendar adjusted data at constant prices. Rise in food commodity group comprised 8.6 percent and in non-food commodity group 1.5 percent, while retail sale of automotive fuel reduced 8.2 percent.

Most rapid turnover increase in December was observed in retail sale of furniture, light fixtures and other household articles - 27.6 percent, retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet - 25.5 percent, retail sale of second-hand goods - 20.2 percent, retail sale of textiles - 15.6 percent, as well as retail sale of electrical household appliances - 11.2 percent.

In comparison with December 2012, total retail trade turnover at current prices rose by 3.1 percent (not taking into account the calendar influence).

Compared to the fourth quarter of 2012, total retail trade turnover in the fourth quarter of 2013 grew 4 percent, according to calendar adjusted data at constant prices. Retail trade in food products increased 6.6 percent and retail trade in non-food products grew 2.5 percent.

As retail trade turnover is significantly affected by public and national holidays, as well as by different price campaigns, in order to ensure that turnover data for all months are mutually comparable, the data are seasonally adjusted. Thus, in December 2013, compared to November, total retail trade turnover at constant prices dropped 0.5 percent. Retail trade in food products grew 0.6 percent, whereas retail trade in non-food products reduced 1.2 percent.

Retail trade turnover in December was significantly affected by reduction in retail sale of automotive fuel - 4.1 percent, as well as a 3.6 percent fall in retail sale in non-specialized stores selling mainly non-food products.

In comparison with November, total retail trade turnover at current prices last December rose 16.2 percent (not taking into account the calendar influence). A year ago - in December 2012, compared to November 2012 - turnover rose 16.1 percent.
The largest turnover growth was recorded in retail trade of food products - 20.8 percent, as well as in sectors providing goods that are traditionally purchased for Christmas presents. For example, retail trade of household electrical appliances grew 77.2 percent, retail trade in cosmetics and toiletries increased 70.3 percent, retail trade in toys and sports equipment - 54 percent, newspapers, books and stationery - 47.4 percent, watches, jewelry - by 47.1 percent, as well as of computers and telecommunication equipment - 43.9 percent.