Retail Sales Up in Hungary 3.3% Year-on-Year

In February 2025, the volume of retail trade was 0.2% lower in raw data, or 3.3% higher in calendar (and leap-year effects) adjusted terms, than in the same month of the previous year. Compared to the same period of the previous year, calendar-adjusted sale volumes expanded by 3.5% in specialized and non-specialized food shops, by 5.0% in non-food retailing and by 0.4% in automotive fuel retailing, the Central Statistical Office (KSH) reports.

According to seasonally and calendar adjusted data, the volume of retail sales was 0.6% down on the previous month. In January–February 2025, the volume of sales – also according to calendar adjusted data – was 4.0% higher than in the corresponding period of the previous year.

In February 2025, compared to the same period of the previous year, adjusted for calendar effects:
The volume of domestic retail sales increased by 3.3%.

The volume of sales grew by 3.5% in specialized and non-specialized food retailing. The volume of sales increased by 3.8% in non-specialized food and beverages shops accounting for 77% of food retailing and by 1.3% in specialized food, beverage and tobacco stores.

The turnover of non-food retailing increased by a total of 5.0% in volume. Sales volumes rose by 10% in pharmaceutical, medical goods and cosmetics shops, by 2.8% in furniture and electrical goods stores, by 0.6% in non-specialized shops dealing in manufactured goods, while they decreased by 2.8% in books, computer equipment and other specialized stores, by 3.1% in second-hand goods shops and by 4.7% in textiles, clothing and footwear shops.

The volume of mail order and internet retailing accounting for 8.3% of all retail sales and involving a wide range of goods grew by 1.5%.

The volume of sales in automotive fuel stations increased by 0.4%.

Sales in motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and accessories stores not belonging to retail data decreased by 3,0%.

In February 2025:
Domestic retail sales amounted to HUF 1,446 billion at current prices.

50% of the national retail turnover was generated in specialized and non-specialized food shops, 35% in non-food retail trade and 15% in automotive fuel stations.

In January–February 2025, compared to the same period of the previous year, adjusted for calendar effects:
The volume of retail trade rose by 4.0%.

The volume of sales rose by 4.1% in specialized and non-specialized food shops, by 5.3% in non-food retail trade and by 1.1% in automotive fuel retail trade.