Retail trade

Estimates of retail trade index for February 2019 stay relatively flat, as value increased by 0.1% from the previous month and volume was down 0.1%

In the three months to February 2019, the retail trade index slightly grew both in value and in volume terms, rising by 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.

When compared to February 2018, the value of retail trade in February 2019 rose by 0.9%, while the quantity sold increased by 0.3%.

Estimates for large scale distribution showed the first negative figure since September 2018, decreasing by 0.1%, while small scale distribution showed the strongest growth since September 2017, increasing by 1.6%. Online sales were up 17.5% when compared with February 2018.

Looking at the value of sales by product category, the strongest growth were reported for Cosmetic and toilet articles (+3.8%) and Shoes, leather goods and travel items (+3.4%). The largest fall concerned Stationery, books, newspapers and magazines (-1.0%) and Electric household appliances, audio-video equipment (-0.2%).