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On a monthly basis, seasonally and calendar-adjusted data show that retail sales rose by 0.5% compared with December, according to the Central Statistical Office (KSH).
The calendar-adjusted increase was driven by gains in several retail segments. Sales volumes in specialized and non-specialized food stores rose by 1.2% year-on-year, while non-food retailing expanded by 4.7%. Turnover at automotive fuel stations also grew significantly, increasing by 5.7% compared with January 2025.
Within food retailing, which accounts for roughly half of total retail turnover, performance was mixed. Sales volumes in non-specialized food and beverage stores – responsible for about 77% of food retailing – increased by 3.7%. However, specialized food, beverage and tobacco shops recorded a 6.5% decline in sales volume.
Non-food retail continued to show stronger momentum overall, with several categories posting notable increases. Sales volumes climbed by 10% in second-hand goods shops and by 6.7% in textile, clothing and footwear stores. Books, computer equipment and other specialized stores reported a 3.3% increase, while non-specialized outlets dealing in manufactured goods saw sales rise by 1.9%. Pharmaceutical, medical goods and cosmetics retailers recorded a more modest 1.5% increase. In contrast, furniture and electrical goods stores experienced a 3.3% drop in sales volume.
Online and mail-order retail remained one of the fastest-growing segments. Accounting for 9.8% of total retail sales, this category posted a 14% increase in volume compared with the same month last year.
Meanwhile, sales volumes at automotive fuel stations rose by 5.7%. However, the volume of sales in motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and accessories stores – which are not included in retail trade statistics – declined by 6.5%.
In value terms, domestic retail sales reached HUF 1,504 billion at current prices in January. Specialized and non-specialized food shops accounted for 50% of national retail turnover, while non-food retailing represented 36% and automotive fuel stations made up the remaining 14%.
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