Wholesale and retail trade sales statistics, 3rd period 2006

Total retail sales in Norway the first six months were NOK 135.5 billion. In May and June 2006, retail sales rose by NOK 3.4 billion, or 7.3 per cent, compared to the same period 2005.

Sales of motor vehicles and petrol up

Compared to the same period last year, sales of petrol increased by 9.8 per cent the first six months this year. In the same period, sales of motor vehicles rose by 5.6 per cent. In May and June 2006 the growth was respectively 8.9 and 9.0 per cent.

Wholesaling rose by NOK 36 billion

Sales by wholesalers rose by NOK 36 billion the first six months of 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. This is equivalent to an increase of 11.8 per cent. In May and June wholesalers had a growth of NOK 14.4 billion or 13.4 per cent compared to May and June 2005.

Better distribution between industries

Due to new and more detailed information from some stores, turnover for certain industries are changed from January and February 2006. These industries are retail sales in non-specialized stores with food, beverages or tobacco predominating, and other retail sale of new goods in specialized stores. These changes will not influence on retail sales over all, but give a better distribution between the various industries.

The figures do not include value added tax.

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. Sales by county
• Table 3 Wholesale trade and commission trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles. Sales exlude VAT Sales by county
• Table 4 Turnover statistics except wholesale on a fee or contract basis 2005. Turnover excluding VAT. Million kroner
• Table 5 Turnover statistics except wholesale on a fee or contract basis 2006. Turnover excluding VAT. Million kroner