Retail sales up 3.8 percent
According to seasonally and calendar adjusted data, the volume of retail sales was 0.4% higher compared to the previous month. In January–February 2026, the volume of sales – also according to calendar adjusted data – was 3.6% higher than in the corresponding period of the previous year.
In February 2026, compared to the same period of the previous year, adjusted for calendar effects:
The volume of domestic retail sales increased by 3.8%.
The volume of sales grew by 2.2% in specialized and non-specialized food retailing. The volume of sales increased by 4.1% in non-specialized food and beverages shops accounting for 77% of food retailing and fell by 4.3% in specialized food, beverage and tobacco stores.
The turnover of non-food retailing increased by a total of 5.0% in volume. Sales volumes rose by 9.6% in second-hand goods shops, by 7.8% in textiles, clothing and footwear shops, by 4.9% in non-specialized shops dealing in manufactured goods, by 2.6% in books, computer equipment and other specialized stores, by 2.5% in pharmaceutical, medical goods and cosmetics shops and by 2.0% in furniture and electrical goods stores.
The volume of mail order and internet retailing accounting for 9.1% of all retail sales and involving a wide range of goods grew by 8.9%.
The volume of sales in automotive fuel stations increased by 6.4%.
Sales volume in motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and accessories stores not belonging to retail data increased by 8.2%.
In February 2026:
Domestic retail sales amounted to HUF 1,484 billion at current prices.
49% of the national retail turnover was generated in specialized and non-specialized food shops, 36% in non-food retail trade and 14% in automotive fuel stations.1
In January–February 2026, compared to the same period of the previous year, adjusted for calendar effects:
The volume of retail trade rose by 3.6%.
The volume of sales rose by 1.7% in specialized and non-specialized food shops, by 4.9% in non-food retail trade and by 6.1% in automotive fuel retail trade.
