Wholesale and retail trade sales statistics, 6th period 2001

Total retail sales in Norway were NOK 225.1 billion [corrected 29.08.02] last year. Stores selling pharmaceutical and medical goods, cosmetic and toilet articles increased sales by 6.6 per cent [corrected 29.08.02] from 2000 to 2001. Retail sale in non-specialized stores, which mainly include grocery stores, rose by 4.7 per cent [corrected 29.08.02] the same period. Other retail sales of new goods in specialized stores increased by 2.4 per cent during this period. This sector consists of clothing, shoes, electrical goods, furniture and building materials. The group retail sales not in stores and retail sale of second-hand goods in stores decreased by 3.3 and 4.4 per cent respectively in 2001 compared with 2000.

In November and December (6^{t h} period) 2001, retail sales increased by 4.7 per cent, or NOK 2.1 billion. Stores selling pharmaceutical and medical goods, cosmetic and toilet articles increased sales by 7.7 per cent [corrected 29.08.02] in this period. Retail sale in non-specialized stores, which mainly include grocery stores, rose by 7.0 per cent [corrected 29.08.02] the same period. Other retail sales of new goods in specialized stores rose 3.1 per cent.

Decline in sales of motor vehicles and petrol

Sale of motor vehicles and petrol declined with NOK 5.8 billion in 2001 compared with 2000. This is equivalent to a decrease of 3.7 per cent. Figures in November and December (6^{t h} period) 2001 indicate a decrease of 13.2 per cent compared with the coresponding period the year before.

Wholesaling increased by NOK 24.3 billion

Wholesalers increased sales by NOK 24.3 billion last year compared with the previous year, an increase of 4.7 per cent. Wholesaling of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels and related products alone increased by NOK 15.9 billion. In November and December (6^{t h} period) 2001 wholesaling in Norway decreased by NOK 4.5 billion or 4.6 per cent compared with the same period in 2000.