The latest figure marked the 17th straight month of growth in retail trade but the softest pace since a decline in February 2021.

Sales moderated for both food, beverages, and tobacco (3.2% vs 4.2% in June) and automotive (5.2% vs 6.6%). Meanwhile, sales of non-food products grew faster (2.5% vs 1.4%).

On a monthly basis, retail sales increased 0.2% in July, swinging from a marginally revised 2% fall in June.