Wholesale and retail trade sales statistics, 1st period 2003

Total retail sales in Norway were NOK 34.9 billion the first two months this year. Retail sale of food, beverages and tobacco in specialized stores rose by 8.8 per cent from the first two months in 2002 to the first two months in 2003. Retail sale in non-specialized stores, which mainly include grocery stores, rose by 6.0 per cent in the same period. Stores selling pharmaceutical and medical goods, cosmetic and toilet articles increased sales by 2.6 per cent. Other retail sales of new goods in specialized stores increased by 0.9 per cent the first two months this year compared with the same period last year. This sector consists of clothing, shoes, electrical goods, furniture and building materials.

Retail sales of automotive fuel up NOK 667 million

Retail sales of automotive fuel rose by NOK 667 million the first two months in 2003 compared with the same period in 2002. This is equivalent to a decrease of 14.3 per cent. Sales of motor vehicles decreased by NOK 335 million or 2.8 per cent the same period.

Wholesaling decreased by NOK 345 million

Wholesalers decreased sales by NOK 345 million from the first two months in 2002 to the first two months 2003. This is equivalent to a decrease of 0.4 per cent.

Tables:

• Table 1 Sales statistics of retail sales excluding sales of motorized vehicles and petrol. Sales exclude VAT Sales by county
• Table 2 Sale, maintenance and repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles; retail sale of automotive fuel. Sales excluding VAT. Sales by county
• Table 3 Wholesale trade and commission trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles. Sales exclude VAT Sales by county
• Table 4 Turnover statistics except wholesale on a fee or contract basis. Turnover excluding VAT. Million kroner
• Table 5 Turnover statistics except wholesale on a fee or contract basis. Turnover excluding VAT. Million kroner