March retail sales growth adjusted upward to 6.6%

In February 2018, compared to the same month of the previous year, the volume of sales, adjusted for calendar effects, rose by 3.6% in specialized and non-specialized food shops, by 9.2% in non-food retail shops, and by 9.8% in automotive fuel retail.

In absolute terms in the month of February, sales in the national retail trade network, as well as in mail order and internet retail, amounted to HUF 749 billion at current prices. Food, drink and tobacco stores accounted for 48% of all retail sales, while the relevant figures for non-food retail shops and the network of petrol stations were 36% and 16%, respectively.

Within food retail, the sales volume grew by 4.4% in non-specialized food and beverage shops (accounting for 78% of food retail), and by 0.7% in specialized food, beverage and tobacco stores.

Within non-food retail, sales rose in non-specialized shops dealing in manufactured goods (19%), furniture and electrical goods (12%), books, computer equipment and other specialized goods (7.4%), and pharmaceuticals, medical goods and cosmetics (7.0%). In contrast, the volume of sales fell in textile, clothing and footwear shops (-0.6%), as well as in second-hand goods shops (-6.3%).

The volume of mail order and internet retail, accounting for 3.9% of all retail sales and involving a wide range of goods, rose by 18%, continuing a multi-year expansion.

The volume of sales in automotive fuel stations increased by 9.8%.

Sales of motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and accessories, which are not included in retail data, increased by 15%.

In January–February 2018, the volume of sales – also according to calendar-adjusted data – was 7.2% higher than in the corresponding two-month period of the previous year. The volume of sales rose by 4.0% in food, drink and tobacco shops, by 10.9% in non-food retail, and by 8.9% in automotive fuel retail.

A first estimate of retail trade figures for March 2018 will be published by the KSH on May 4.