Turkey’s retail sales up on month, down on year in March

According to data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute, Turkey’s retail sales posted an increase on the month in March while they are down on an annual basis. The country’s retail sales increased by 2.1% in March from a month earlier. However, they dropped by 0.4% when compared to the same month of last year.

The data showed that food, non-food sales (except automotive fuel sales) and automotive sales increased by 3.6% and 2.7% respectively while food, drinks and tobacco sales were down by 1.2% on a monthly basis. On a yearly basis, food, drinks and tobacco sales as well as automotive sales decreased by 4.1% and 4.4% respectively while non-food sales (except automotive fuel sales) increased by 3.7%.

The data showed that retail sales in non-food sectors such as computers, books, telecommunication sales were up by 1.1%; electronic goods and furniture sales were up by 5.3%; sales via mail orders and internet rose by 2.4%; textiles, clothing and footwear increased by 4.6%; medical goods as well as cosmetic sales rose by 2.8% in March on a monthly basis.