Retail

Zabolis Partners/Baltic Red has published a summary of the latest macro economic and retail sales figures for all Baltic States in their new Baltic Retail Monitor. Initial data for 2012 indicates improving confidence levels among consumers and businesses, and a stronger continuation of the positive trend in retail sales

Among the findings are:
- Population figures in LT & LV strongly revised downwards after censuses in 2011.
- 2011 GDP growth in Baltics among the strongest in EU, from 5,5 percent in Latvia to 7,6 percent in Estonia.
- Euro introduced in EE in 2011; Latvia and Lithuania continue aiming at accession in 2014.
- Inflation in past year above Maastricht criteria limit in all countries, but expected to recede.
- Unemployment shows first full year decline across the region.
- 2011 with real sales increase in all three Baltic countries for first time since 2007.
- H&M announced first store openings in Baltic region for end of 2012 in Riga.
- Investment transactions in 2011 (Kristine Keskus in Estonia, Babilonas in Lithuania) point to a cautious return of investor confidence in the retail sector.

See also:

Back to Main News Page

CEE property investment up by 30 percent relative to 2012

Plac Unii on course for autumn opening

Kyiv, Istanbul and Bratislava highlighted as manufacturing hot spots