"While turnover increased in stores selling manufactured goods and in enterprises engaged in the retail sale of automotive fuel, the turnover of grocery stores declined for the first time in a while and was 1% smaller year-on-year," Jaanika Tiigiste, leading analyst at SE, said. Stores selling via mail order or internet grew the most by 44% in February.

Meanwhile, turnover in stores selling clothing and footwear and second-hand goods declined by 16% and 4%, respectively. On a monthly basis, retail sales decreased 5% in February. On a seasonally adjusted basis, retail sales remained unchanged in February.