Seasonally adjusted sales by retail chains and stores rose by 1.4% in November, while food sales fell by 2%, according to figures obtained by "Globes" today.
The recovery in retail sales began in October. Seasonally adjusted sales by retail chains and stores rose by 4.6% in August-November. Food sales rose by 3.4% in August-October, but fell by 2% in November.
Seasonally adjusted sales by retail chains and stores fell by 2.4% in January-November, compared with the corresponding period in 2002, while food sales declined by 0.2%. Sales of perishable goods rose by 1.4% in January-November.
A breakdown of the figures by type of consumption indicates that it is premature to declare the end of the recession and a recovery in private consumption. Sales of principle consumer items fell sharply in January-November 2003, compared with the corresponding period in 2002, as follows:
- New car sales were down 11.8%.
- Sales of durable goods (appliances) were down 22.5%.
- Sales of housewares and kitchenware were down 24.1%.
- Sales of textile and clothing products were down 9.1%.
Only sales of fuel and energy products rose by 2.7% in January-November.
Sales by retail chains and stores account for a quarter of all retail sales in Israel.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on December 22, 2003