IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH DATA ECOSYSTEMS

Measured in real terms (constant 2015 prices), retail trade sales increased by 1,2% year-on-year in January 2019. The largest positive annual growth rates were recorded for:

• retailers in pharmaceuticals and medical goods, cosmetics and toiletries (6,0%); and
• all 'other' retailers (3,0%).

The main contributors to the 1,2% increase were:

• retailers in pharmaceuticals and medical goods, cosmetics and toiletries (contributing 0,5 of a percentage point); and
• general dealers (contributing 0,5 of a percentage point).

Seasonally adjusted retail trade sales increased by 1,5% in January 2019 compared with December 2018. This followed month-on-month changes of -5,1% in December 2018 and 2,9% in November 2018. In the three months ended January 2019, seasonally adjusted retail trade sales increased by 0,2 % compared with the previous three months.

Retail trade sales increased by 0,6% in the three months ended January 2019 compared with the three months ended January 2018. The main contributors to this increase were:

• retailers in household furniture, appliances and equipment (5,5% and contributing 0,3 of a percentage point); and
• all 'other' retailers (2,2% and contributing 0,3 of a percentage point).