Retail sales were up by 9.3 percent (unadjusted series) and 8.3 percent (seasonally adjusted series) in Q1 compared to the same period last year, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics. Sales of cars and other vehicles are not included.
The highest sales increases were reported for non-food products (+13.1 percent in unadjusted series) and fuels (+7.1 percent) while the sale of food products, drinks and tobacco increased by 6.1 percent.
In March 2014 compared the previous month, retail sale were up 18.2 percent (unadjusted series) and 2.3 percent (seasonally and working days adjusted series).
In March 2014 compared to March 2013 retail sale increased 13.6 percent (unadjusted series) and 11.9 percent (seasonally and working days adjusted series).
Simona Bazavan