Retail Sales Down In May

The volume of retail sales decreased by 15.4% in May 2009 compared to May 2008. There was a monthly decrease of 1.2%.

If motor trades are excluded the volume of retail sales decreased by 9.2% in May 2009 compared to May 2008 and the monthly change was -1.3%.

The value of retail sales decreased by 19.4% in May 2009 compared to May 2008 and decreased by 1.4% in the month.

However, if motor trades are excluded, the annual decrease was 13.6% and the monthly change was -1.6%.

All sectors contributed to the May 2009 year-on-year decline in the volume of retail sales with the most significant beingin motor trades which were down 39.8% and household equipment, where sales fell by 22%