Increase in retail sales in December 2008

Retail sales increased in value by 20.2% in December 2008 in comparison with November 2008, according to the Central Statistical Office. In constant prices sales improved by 5.7% year on year in the final month of 2008, whereas in November there was a 1.1% increase. The improvement in sales in December reflects Christmas shopping and the end-of-year discount sales. Cosmetics, furniture and electronic appliances were among the most popular products purchased by Poles. Sales of foodstuffs and tobacco products increased by 34.1% in December 2008 month on month. Spending on cosmetics and medicines increased by 38.6%, and sales of books and newspapers by 23% month on month.