The retail sales volume saw a 2.8 percent increase in April compared to the previous month, according to calendar-adjusted and seasonally adjusted figures. The sales volume of grocery stores, excluding Systembolaget, rose by 1.8 percent, while non-food retail increased by 2.7 percent.
Over the latest three-month period (February to April), the calendar-adjusted and seasonally adjusted retail sales volume was 1.6 percent lower than in the previous three-month period (November to January). Non-food retail experienced a decline of 3.6 percent, while grocery stores, excluding Systembolaget, showed a decrease of 0.7 percent.
In comparison to the same month in 2022, the retail sales volume in April decreased by 6.5 percent in calendar-adjusted figures. Non-food retail declined by 8.3 percent, and grocery stores, excluding Systembolaget, witnessed a decrease of 4.5 percent.
Correspondingly, when considering constant prices without calendar adjustment, the retail sales volume showed an 8.6 percent decrease for the overall retail sector in April 2023 compared to the same period the previous year. Non-food retail experienced a decline of 10.3 percent, while grocery stores, excluding Systembolaget, showed a decrease of 6.3 percent.
In current prices, the turnover of the retail sector increased by 2.6 percent in April 2023 compared to April 2022. Non-food retail decreased by 1.6 percent, while grocery stores, excluding Systembolaget, experienced a 9.3 percent increase.
Considerations: Starting from the reference year 2023, there have been changes in the statistical unit of the business entity. These changes have been implemented with the aim of improving functional statistics that describe individual economic activities, such as turnover in the service sector. For more information, please refer to:
Changes in Statistics – April 2023
In the current situation of price increases, consumers may adjust their consumption patterns and refrain from purchasing goods that have experienced price hikes, opting for more affordable alternatives. This may result in a slight underestimation of the index numbers calculated based on fixed prices in the retail statistics. This observation may particularly apply to grocery stores but can also be relevant for other industry groups.
Seasonally adjusted monthly development.