This marks a dramatic turnaround from the strong growth in January, writes Svensk Handel in a press release.
Clothing sales held up best – with a 15 percent decrease compared to last year, while book and magazine sales as well as clothing and home furnishings noted larger declines.
Online sales, where most second-hand items are usually sold, decreased by approximately 4 billion kronor (38 percent) during the month.
"Our assessment is that households' difficult economic situation and bleak outlook on the future affect consumption willingness, which also impacts second-hand sales," says Maria Mikkonen, chief economist at Svensk Handel, in the press release.
