The 5% expansion would be in line with this year’s trends, as sales grew at that pace in the first nine months, fuelled by rising real wages, OKSZ added.

Households are expected to spend Ft 860 billion specifically for the holiday, divided almost evenly between food and gifts.

The OKSZ report warns that some retailers may face difficulties due to a shortage of labour.

A related survey by GKI Digital and arukereso.hu found that Hungarian online shoppers are likely to spend Ft 30,500 on gifts, on average. Electronic products, toys, books and cosmetics are expected to be the hottest selling items online.

Source: Hungary Around the Clock

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