Retail food, drinks and tobacco sales were down 1.6% in August. Non-food sales were up 6.8% while vehicle fuel sales climbed 4.3%.

Food, drinks and tobacco stores accounted for almost half (45.6%) of all retail sales. Non-food retail shops provided 34.9% and gas stations provided 19.5% of the retail sales.

Sales of food, beverages and tobacco in non-specialized stores decreased 0.4% from the previous year, while there was a 9.3% increase in specialized food, beverage and tobacco stores.

Retail sales of non-food products were up 6.8% year-on-year in August and sales of clothing and footwear saw an increase of 22.5%.