The retail turnover (including VAT) of the leader of retail apparel market in Lithuania and the Baltic States Apranga Group has made LTL 32.1 million (EUR 9.3 million) in September 2009, and has decreased 36.5% in comparison to September 2008. Below this year average retail chain turnover results were determined not only by non-improving situation in the retail market of Baltic States, but also by increased VAT rate in Lithuania in September, as well as by 9 non-operating stores which were in full or partly closed due to retail chain optimisation works this month (3 stores were closed, 6 stores redesigned). In January through September 2009 the retail turnover of Apranga Group (including VAT) has made LTL 290.7 million (EUR 84.2 million), and has decreased 22.6% year-on-year. In January through September 2009, comparing to the same period of 2008, the turnover of Apranga Group retail chain has decreased by 21.9% in Lithuania, decreased by 29.3% in Latvia, and decreased by 10.1% in Estonia. At the end of September, Apranga Group operated the chain of 115 stores in Baltic States: 76 in Lithuania, 31 in Latvia, and 8 in Estonia. Shares of Apranga are listed on Baltic equity list on NASDAQ OMX Vilnius Stock Exchange. Majority shareholder of Apranga Group is concern MG Baltic. Rimantas Perveneckas Apranga Group Director General +370 5 2390801