Despite enhanced price competition, the average sales price of Samsung's handsets increased on-quarter, while sales volume for the GALAXY Tab portfolio of tablets increased with the expansion of the 8.9- and 10.1-inch devices into the lineup.

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The volume of retail sales increased by 0.3% compared to the previous quarter, while their value grew by 0.6%.

BBC: Scottish shop sales rise in first quarter of 2013

While housing starts increased by 15% in September, many observers doubted the actual volume of sales in housing, pointing to the 1.7% sales decline that month.

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In November, sales volume increased 52% from a year prior, according to the latest data by the National Association of Realtors.

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