Retail trade

The retail trade index measures the monthly evolution of the turnover at current prices of enterprises with retail sale outlets. With effect from January 2013, the indices are calculated with reference to the base year 2010 using the Ateco 2007 classification (Italian edition of Nace Rev. 2).

In November 2017, the monthly growth rate for the value and volume of sales both increased by 1.1% and 0.8% respectively. Regardless of any short-term differences, the underlying pattern of the value of retail trade, as suggested by the 3 month on 3 month measure is one of growth (+0.2%). In the same period the volume of retail trade decreased by 0.2%, due to a fall in food sales.

When comparing with November 2016, the retail trade index increased by 1.4%, with large scale distribution stores showing strong growth at 2.6% and food goods going up 2.0%, while non-food goods went up 1.1%. Estimates for small and medium scale distribution also
increased by 0.2% comparing to a year earlier.

The year-on-year growth rate shows the volume of sales increased by 0.6%, with food goods staying flat, while non-food goods went up 0.8%.