Wholesale and retail trade sales statistics, 4th 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 3.6 billion from the first eight months in 2002 to the first eight months in 2003. This is equivalent to 5.1 per cent. Other retail sales of new goods in specialized stores increased by 1.9 billion, or 3.1 per cent. Stores selling pharmaceutical and medical goods, cosmetic and toilet articles increased sales by 4.1 per cent, or 358 billion.

4.9 per cent up in 4rd period

In July - August (4rd period) 2003, retail sales increased by 4.9 per cent compared with the same period 2002. Other retail sale of new goods in specialized stores increased by 4.8 per cent and retail sales in non-specialized stores, which mainly include grocery stores increased sales by 5.1 per cent from the 4rd period 2002 to the 4rd period 2003.

Sales of petrol up

Sales of petrol increased by NOK 0.9 billion, equivalent to an increase of 4.2 per cent during the first eight month in 2003 compared to the corresponding period in 2002. Retail sale of motor vehicles increased by 265 million equivalent to an increase of 0.5 per cent during this period.

Wholesaling increased by NOK 6.8 billion

Wholesalers increased sales by NOK 6.8 billion from the first eight month in 2002 to the first eight months in 2003, an increase of 2.0 per cent.

Tables:

• Table 1 Sales statistics of retail sales excluding sales of motorized vehicles and petrol. Sales exclude 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 exclude VAT, by county
• Table 4 Turnover statistics except wholesale on a fee or contract basis. 2002. Turnover excluding VAT. NOK million
• Table 5 Turnover statistics except wholesale on a fee or contract basis 2003. Turnover excluding VAT. Million kroner