In January 2019, the volume of sales in retail shops, according to both raw and calendar-adjusted data, grew by 5.4% compared to January 2018. The volume of sales, adjusted for calendar effects, rose by 3.9% in specialized and non-specialized food shops, by 6.4% in non-food retail, and by 7.2% in automotive fuel retail.
In January 2019, the volume of sales grew by 5.4% in non-specialized food and beverage shops, accounting for 77% of food retail, while it fell by 0.7% in specialized food, beverage and tobacco stores.
In non-food retail, sales rose in shops selling pharmaceutical, medical and cosmetic goods (9.6%), manufactured goods (6.4%), textiles, clothing and footwear (3.9%), and books, computer equipment and other specialized goods (2.9%). In contrast, the volume of sales fell in second-hand goods shops (-6.1%), as well as in furniture and electrical goods stores (-0.7%).
The volume of mail order and internet retail, accounting for 5.8% of all retail sales and involving a wide range of goods, rose by 21% year-on-year, continuing a multi-year expansion.
In absolute terms, sales in the national retail trade network, as well as in mail order and internet retail, totaled HUF 832 billion at current prices in January. Food, drink and tobacco stores accounted for 47% of all retail sales, while the relevant figures for non-food retail shops and the network of petrol stations were 37% and 16%, respectively.
Sales of motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and accessories, not belonging to retail data, increased by 9.7%, reaching HUF 50.4 bln.
