Retail trade is the retail sale to private consumption and classified into industrial branches. The retail trade index describes the trend of the retail sales in nominal and real prices, which is adjusted for inflation and therefore indicates the change in quantity.

The retail trade index is constructed according to an international templet which builds on figures from businesses selected according to the NACE industrial classification Rev. 2. The retail trade index includes businesses in NACE Rev.2, division G47.

Included in the survey are 9 industrial sectors, 4 groups and the division G47. The statistical classification of economic activities NACE is a hierarchical system.

Example:

G Wholesale and Retail Trade – NACE level 1, Section

G.47 Retail trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles – NACE level 2, Division

G.47.1 Retail sale in non-specialised stores – NACE level 3, Group

G.47.11 Retail sale in non-specialised stores with food, beverages or tobacco predominating – NACE level 4, Class

Glossary:

• Nominal prices are based on the prices of the goods and services at the time the survey was conducted.
• Seasonally adjusted numbers are adjusted for seasonal deviations, for example recurring seasonal changes in activities. In some months the seasonal deviations are so irregular that it is impossible to adjust.
• Real prices are prices that are adjusted for inflation. This way it is possible to estimate a trend in the quantity of the goods and services sold. 
• The trend illustrates the numbers adjusted for seasonal deviations and other occasional changes.
• Index shows the annual percentage change with a base year which is set to 100. The change from one year to another is measured in percentage points, but when comparing to the base year it is measured in per cent.