Index of wholesale and retail sales, May 2004

Retail sales figures exclude motor vehicles and petrol.

The volume index of retail sales decreased by 2.6 per cent in May compared with May last year. The volume sales in non-specialized stores, which mainly include food stores, fell by 7.2 per cent during this period. The volume index concerning retail sales of food, beverages and tobacco in specialized stores and retail sale of pharmaceutical and medical goods, cosmetic and toilet articles decreased by 3.3 and 0.3 per cent respectively in May compared with the same month last year. The volume sales of new goods in specialized stores increased by 1.7 per cent during this period. Sales of new goods in specialized stores include clothing, shoes, electrical goods, furniture and building materials. The volume index of retail sales not in stores increased by 6.2 per cent in May compared with May last year. This sector includes retail sales via mail order houses.

Retail sales down for food stores

The value index of retail sales in non-specialized stores, which mainly include food stores, fell by 3.4 per cent in May compared with May last year. Retail sale of pharmaceutical and medical goods, cosmetic and toilet articles decreased by 1.5 per cent during this period. The turnover concerning sales of new goods in specialized stores decreased by 0.2 per cent in May compared with May last year. The value index concerning retail sales of food, beverages and tobacco in specialized stores and retail sales not in stores increased by 0.9 and 6.0 per cent respectively during this period. The value index of retail sales decreased by 1.6 per cent in May compared with May last year.