Retail sales bounce back after dismal December

In January 2025, compared to the same period of the previous year, adjusted for calendar effects the volume of domestic retail sales increased by 4.7%.

The volume of sales grew by 4.7% in specialized and non-specialized food retailing. The volume of sales increased by 5.1% in non-specialized food and beverages shops accounting for 76% of food retailing and by 3.2% in specialized food, beverage and tobacco stores.

The turnover of non-food retailing increased by a total of 5.6% in volume. Sales volumes rose by 9.7% in pharmaceutical, medical goods and cosmetics shops, by 7.8% in furniture and electrical goods stores, by 6.7% in non-specialized shops dealing in manufactured goods, by 4.7% in textiles, clothing and footwear shops, by 2.9% in second-hand goods shops, and by 0.3% in books, computer equipment and other specialized stores.

The volume of mail order and internet retailing accounting for 8.8% of all retail sales and involving a wide range of goods grew by 3.9%.

The volume of sales in automotive fuel stations increased by 1.9%.

Sales in motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and accessories stores not belonging to retail data increased by 19%.

In January 2025 domestic retail sales amounted to HUF 1,477 billion at current prices.

49% of the national retail turnover was generated in specialized and non-specialized food shops, 35% in non-food retail trade and 16% in automotive fuel stations.