The Turkish Statistical Institute [Turkstat] announced the retail sales index for April 2017.

Accordingly, retail sales volume at fixed prices adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects increased by 0.1 percent in April compared to the previous month. In the same month, non-food sales (excluding automotive fuel) remained at the same level, while automotive fuel sales increased by 0.6 percent and food, beverages and tobacco sales declined by 0.1 percent.

When the changes of the non-food sectors according to the previous month are examined, sales of computers, books and communication devices increased by 2.1 percent, electrical goods and furniture sales increased by 0.3 percent, sales of medicines and cosmetics increased by 2 percent, sales by mail or internet decreased by 1,7 percent down.

Retail sales volume at constant prices adjusted for calendar effect decreased by 0.1 percent in April compared to the same month of the previous year. Food, beverages and tobacco sales decreased by 3.6 percent and automotive fuel sales decreased by 2.6 percent in the same month, while non-food sales (excluding automotive fuel) increased by 3.1 percent.

When the changes in the non-food sectors are compared with the same month of the previous year, sales of computers, books and communication devices increased by 3 percent, sales of textiles, clothing and footwear increased by 14 percent, sales by mail or internet increased by 16.5 percent, sales of electrical goods and furniture decreased by 5.6 percent, and medicinal products and cosmetics sales decreased by 4 percent. (ILKHA)