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| Source |
| Name of collection/source In almost all countries, retail trade data are compiled from regular sample surveys. Exceptions (e.g. data derived from VAT returns), are noted in country metadata. Direct source The data are generally collected directly from the National Statistical Offices databases. Exceptions are noted in country metadata. Source Periodicity Data are generally available from sources every months. Exceptions (reported on a quarterly basis) are noted in country metadata. |
| Characteristics |
| Sampling Sample generally includes all units whose employments are above or equal to a certain threshold. Specific information is noted in country metadata. Variables collected Most OECD Member countries collect information on turnover or sales of goods. However, as there is no international standard definition for "sales" or "turnover", these terms are often used interchangeably by a number of national and international agencies. The price of the transactions incorporated in the sales/turnover variable can vary from country to country, owing to the inclusion or exclusion of value added and other taxes, and other aspects of prices such as rebates and discounts. Specific information is noted in country metadata. |
| Scope |
| Statistical population The statistical population of retail trade is generally defined on the basis of two dimensions: the predominant activity of units operating in the sector and the type of operation. Establishments, enterprises or local units whose main activity is retail trade are generally used as reporting units. The type of operation refers to the technical organisation of units operating in the sector. According to United Nations recommendations, it comprises stores and shops, stalls, mail order houses, itinerant trade and other retail trade such as vending machine sales. Sector coverage The scope of retail trade indicators include the activities listed in Division 47 of ISIC Rev. 4 or NACE Rev. 2. However, there are significant differences between OECD Member countries in activity coverage. Further information is noted in country metadata. |
| Concepts |
| Key statistical concept This index measures changes in the turnover of retail sales units. Turnover is defined as follows: “Turnover comprises the totals invoiced by the observation unit during the reference period, and this corresponds to gross sales of goods or services supplied to third parties. Turnover includes all duties and taxes on the goods or services invoiced by the unit with the exception of VAT invoiced by the unit vis-ŕ-vis its customer and other similar deductible taxes directly linked to turnover. It includes all other charges (shipping and handling, installation, maintenance and repair, alteration, storage, etc.) passed on to the customer, even if these charges are listed separately in the invoice. It also includes receipts from the rental of vehicles, equipment, instruments, tools, and other merchandise; commissions from the arrangement of financing; payments for work in progress; and market value of compensation received in lieu of cash. In addition, it includes gross sales from departments, concessions, and amusement and vending machines operated by others; and amounts received from work subcontracted to others. Reduction in price, rebates and discounts as well as the value of returned packing must be deducted. Income classified as other operating income, financial income and extra-ordinary income in company accounts is excluded from turnover. Operating subsidies received from public authorities or the institutions of the European Union are also excluded [OECD, Eurostat]” Specific information is noted in country metadata. |
| Manipulation |
| Aggregation and consolidation Most OECD Member countries compile retail trade volume indices by deflating value series with a particular deflator. For those countries that do not compile volume indices, the OECD secretariat provides proxies for the volume indices by deflating the value data with CPI all items. Specific information is noted in country metadata. |