Wholesale and retail trade sales statistics, 3rd period 2003

All sales in this connection exclude value-added tax.

Retail sales in non-specialized stores, which mainly include grocery stores, increased the most by 2.6 billion from the first six month in 2002 to the first six month in 2003 - an increase of 5.0 per cent. Retail sales not in stores, also showed a major increase of 5.8 per cent, or 137 billion during this period. Stores selling pharmaceutical and medical goods, cosmetic and toilet articles increased sales by 4.3 per cent, or 279 billion.

4.1 per cent up in 3rd period

In May - June (3rd period) 2003, retail sales increased by 4.1 per cent compared with the same period 2002. Retail sales not in stores and Retail sale in non-specialized stores increased 5.8 and 4.3 per cent respectively during this period. Other retail sales of new goods in specialized stores increased by 4.1 per cent and retail sales of pharmaceutical and medical goods, cosmetic and toilet articles increased by 3.5 per cent from the 3rd period 2002 to the 3rd period 2003.

Sales of motor vehicles and petrol up

Sales of motor vehicles and petrol increased by NOK 835 million, equivalent to an increase of 1.2 per cent during the first six month in 2003 compared with the corresponding period in 2002. During this period retail sale of automotive fuel increased by 714 million or 4.5 per cent and retail sales of motor vehicles decreased by 342 million or 0.9 per cent.

In May - June (3rd period) 2003, sales of motor vehicles and petrol increased by 714 million equivalent to 2.8 per cent compared with the same period 2002.

Wholesaling increased by NOK 3.0 billion

Wholesalers increased sales by NOK 3.0 billion from the first six month in 2002 to the first six month in 2003, an increase of 1.2 per cent. In May - June 2003 wholesalers experienced a growth of 2.1 per cent or 1.8 billion to the same period 2002.

Tables:

• Table 1 Sales statistics of retail sales excluding sales of motorized vehicles and petrol. Sales exlude VAT Sales 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 NOK
• Table 5 Turnover statistics except wholesale on a fee or contract basis 2003. Turnover excluding VAT. Million NOK