Wholesale and retail trade sales statistics, 2nd period 2003

Total retail sales in Norway were NOK 72.5 billion the first four months this year. Retail sale of food, beverages and tobacco in specialized stores rose by 6.8 per cent from the first four months in 2002 to the first four months in 2003. Retail sale in non-specialized stores, which mainly include grocery stores, rose by 5.2 per cent during the same period. Stores selling pharmaceutical and medical goods, cosmetic and toilet articles increased sales by 4.7 per cent. Other retail sales of new goods in specialized stores increased by 1.6 per cent the first four months this year compared with the same period last year. This sector consists of clothing, shoes, electrical goods, furniture and building materials.

More food and drink in the second period

In March and April (2^{n d} period) 2003, retail sales in non-specialized stores with mainly food, beverages or tobacco predominating increased by NOK 807 million or 5.0 per cent, compared with the same period in 2002. Retail sales of food, beverages and tobacco in specialized stores rose by NOK 87 million during the same period. This is equivalent to an increase of 5.1 per cent. Stores selling pharmaceutical and medical goods, cosmetic and toilet articles increased sales by 5.0 per cent. Other retail sales of new goods in specialized stores rose by 2.3 per cent.

Retail sales of automotive fuel up NOK 646 million

Retail sales of automotive fuel rose by NOK 646 million the first four months in 2003 compared with the same period 2002. This is equivalent to an increase of 6.4 per cent. Sales of motor vehicles decreased by NOK 696 million or 2.7 per cent in the same period. From March and April 2002 to the same period in 2003 retail sales of automotive fuel rose by 0.8 per cent, while sales of motor vehicles decreased 3.5 per cent.

Slight growth in wholesaling

Wholesalers increased sales by NOK 349 million from the first four months 2002 to the first four months in 2003. This is equivalent to an increase of 0.2 per cent. In March and April this year the wholesalers increased sales by NOK 599 million or 0.7 per cent.

Tables:

• Table 1 Sales statistics of retail sales excluding sales of motorized vehicles and petrol. Sales excluding VAT, by county
• Table 2 Sale, maintenance and repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles; retail sale of automotive fuel. Sales excluding VAT, by county
• Table 3 Wholesale trade and commission trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles. Sales exlude VAT, by county
• Table 4 Turnover statistics except wholesale on a fee or contract basis 2002. Turnover excluding VAT. Million kroner
• Table 5 Turnover statistics except wholesale on a fee or contract basis 2003. Turnover excluding VAT. Million kroner