Sales stagnating

Retail sales were down by 1.4 percent in August 2008, compared to August 2007. Sales showed stagnation compared to July. Food retail units generated 0.7 percent lower revenues in August 2008, than in 2007. While sales in general stores like supermarkets were down by 0.8 percent, they rose by 1.1 percent in specialised stores. Retail sales of non-food products were down by 2.5 percent in the first eight months of 2008, compared to the same period in 2007. Sales showed some expansion compared to July, with the exception of the furniture and construction materials sectors. The greatest growth was recorded by mail order and pharmaceutical retail units.