Retail sales down 7.8 percent yr-on-yr in September

According to seasonally and calendar adjusted data, the volume of retail sales was essentially unchanged compared to the previous month. In January–September 2023, the volume of sales – also according to calendar adjusted data – was 9.3% lower than in the corresponding period of the previous year.

In September 2023, compared to the same period of the previous year, adjusted for calendar effects the volume of domestic retail sales decreased by 7.3%.

The volume of sales decreased by 2.3% in specialized and non-specialized food retailing. The volume of sales decreased by 2.7% in non-specialized food and beverages shops accounting for 75% of food retailing and by 0.7% in specialized food, beverage and tobacco stores.

The turnover of non-food retailing decreased by a total of 7.5% in volume. Sales volumes rose by 6.6% in pharmaceutical, medical goods and cosmetics shops, while sales volumes decreased by 5.9% in books, computer equipment and other specialized stores, by 14% in non-specialized shops dealing in manufactured goods, by 16-16% in furniture and electrical goods stores and second-hand goods shops and by 19% in textiles, clothing and footwear shops.

The volume of mail order and internet retailing accounting for 7.6% of all retail sales and involving a wide range of goods was essentially unchanged.

The volume of sales in automotive fuel stations was 19.9% down compared to the same month of last year.

Sales in motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and accessories stores not belonging to retail data was essentially unchanged.

In September 2023 domestic retail sales amounted to HUF 1,530 billion at current prices.

Specialized and non-specialized food shops accounted for 48% of all retail sales, the relevant figures for non-food retail trade and retail trade of petrol stations were 34% and 18%.

In January–September 2023, compared to the same period of the previous year, adjusted for calendar effects, the volume of retail trade decreased by 9.3%.

The volume of sales fell by 6.1% in specialized and non-specialized food shops, by 7.3% in non-food retail trade and by 21.1% in automotive fuel retail trade.