Riga, 28.03.2024. In February 2024, compared to February 2023, retail turnover decreased by 0.4%, according to the calendar-adjusted data compiled by the Central Statistics Office (CSB) at comparable prices. Retail sales of food products remained unchanged, the volume of retail sales of non-food products, excluding the retail sale of motor fuel, decreased by 1.5%, motor fuel – increased by 1.7%.
Compared to February 2023, the most significant increase in turnover was in the retail trade of clothing, footwear and leather goods (by 9.4%), household electrical appliances (by 9.1%) and cosmetics and toiletries (by 7.3%). The decrease in turnover was in non-specialized stores, where mostly non-food goods are sold (by 24.3%), and it was affected by the change in the type of basic economic activity of individual companies, in the retail trade of metal products, tools, building materials and plumbing (by 10.3%) and in retail trade in stalls and markets ( by 5.3%).
The total turnover of retail enterprises in actual prices, excluding the effect of calendar days, increased by 2.2%.
In February 2024, compared to January, according to seasonally adjusted data, at comparable prices, the turnover of retail enterprises increased by 0.6%. Retail sales of food products increased by 1.4%. The volume of retail sales of non-food goods, excluding retail sales of motor fuel, increased by 0.9%, while retail sales of motor fuel decreased by 1.6%.
Compared to the previous month, the most significant increase in turnover was in retail sale of pharmaceutical and medical goods (by 4.7%), retail sale in stalls and markets (by 4.6%) and retail sale of cultural goods and leisure goods (by 4.1%). The biggest drop in turnover was in non-specialized stores, where mostly non-food items are sold (by 2.8%).
In February 2024, compared to January, the total turnover of retail enterprises in actual prices, without taking seasonality into account, decreased by 1.7%.
More information on seasonally adjusted, calendar adjusted and unadjusted retail turnover indices is available on the official statistics portal “Trade and service statistics”.
The published data may be refined in the coming months if additional information is obtained from the companies.
In accordance with the survey methodology, data on the total net turnover of companies also include transactions made outside the core business sector. In some cases, these transactions (e.g. wholesale) can significantly affect changes in turnover in the industry. Revenues from e-commerce are also included in the total turnover according to the company’s core business sector.
Central Statistical Office
