Turnover increased by 13.2% retail in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the corresponding period last year, as it amounted to 14.88 billion euros compared to 13.15 billion euros between January and March 2022. In part, of course, this increase is due to revaluation. On the other hand, however, there has been an increase in demand this year in several sectors, as the initial shock of the outbreak of the war in Ukraine at the end of February last year and the massive price increases that followed have now subsided. With the exception of automotive, food and fuel sectors The retail trade turnover in the first quarter of 2023 amounted to 5.22 billion euros, an increase of 15.2% compared to the corresponding period last year.

The largest increase in turnover was recorded in the automotive sector (46.4%), which is associated with a large influx of cars ordered a few months earlier in used car stores (42.7%), a phenomenon that appeared for the first time during a significant increase in prices in the sector appliances (41.2%), the increase is largely due to the fact that, unlike the corresponding period last year, the Recycling – Replacing a Device program continues as runners-up continue to join it, but also in audio and video equipment stores (37.2%).

In the largest retail industry, which is none other than supermarkets, turnover increased by 9.4% in the first quarter of 2023, the increase, however, is considered solely as a result of inflation.

The decrease in sales was recorded only in three retail sectors, namely in the sector of gas stations (by 8.6%), the development is more associated with a decrease in fuel prices compared to last year, in the sector “Other retail trade novelties in specialized stores” (by 4.5%), as well as in pharmacies (by 1.3%).

Retail sales recorded significant growth, especially in March. According to ELSTAT data on retailers required to maintain double-entry ledgers, for which data is available monthly, the turnover in March 2023 was 3.43 billion euros, an increase of 21.1% compared to March 2022. at the level of 2.83 billion euros and 17.7% more than in February 2023, amounting to 2.91 billion euros.

The industries with the largest sales growth in March 2023 compared to March 2022 are used goods retail (120.4% growth) and audio visual retail (71.2% growth). A 5.5% decrease in sales at filling stations was recorded.