The National Statistical Institute (NSI) has presented its preliminary, seasonally adjusted data on the development of retail trade in July. The analysis shows that the turnover index for the retail sector, excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles, calculated at constant prices, recorded a slight decline of 0.2 percent compared to the previous month. However, in the longer term, based on calendar-adjusted data, there is a positive trend, with trade turnover marking an increase of 5.6 percent compared to July 2025.
Looking at the monthly dynamics in July, mixed results were observed across the main retail segments:
- In "Retail sale of food, beverages, and tobacco," an increase of 3.2 percent was reported.
- Trade in "automotive fuel and lubricants" also recorded growth, amounting to 1.4 percent.
- The sector of "Retail sale of non-food products, excluding automotive fuel and lubricants" registered a decline of 1.2 percent compared to the previous month.
Within the group of non-food products (excluding fuel), specific movements stand out in individual categories:
- The decline was driven by a contraction in "Retail sale of household appliances, furniture, and other household goods" by 3.6 percent, "Retail sale of textiles, clothing, footwear, and leather goods" by 1.4 percent, and "Retail sale of computer and communication equipment" by 0.8 percent.
- At the same time, an increase was recorded in "Retail sale in non-specialized stores with a varied assortment of goods" by 1.8 percent, as well as in "Retail sale of pharmaceutical and medical goods, cosmetics, and toiletries" – by 1.1 percent.
A comparison of the data for July against the same month of 2025 reveals an increase in turnover across all main groups:
- The highest annual growth was observed in the trade of food, beverages, and tobacco – at 7.5 percent.
- Turnover in the trade of automotive fuel and lubricants increased by 6.6 percent.
- For non-food products (excluding fuel), the growth was 4.1 percent.
In the non-food subgroup compared to 2025, significant variations stand out:
- An impressive growth of 22.5 percent was recorded in retail trade via mail order, telephone, or the internet.
- A significant increase was also observed in "Retail sale of textiles, clothing, footwear, and leather goods" – by 14.7 percent, as well as in retail trade in non-specialized stores with a varied assortment of goods – by 14.2 percent.
- In contrast, the category "Retail sale of household appliances, furniture, and other household goods" recorded a decline of 4.9 percent on an annual basis.