In March 2018, compared to the same month of the previous year, and adjusted for calendar effects, the volume of sales in the national retail trade network, as well as in mail order and internet retail, increased by 7.3%.

The volume of sales, adjusted for calendar effects, rose by 7.7% in specialized and non-specialized food shops, by 7.4% in non-food retail shops, and by 5.1% in automotive fuel retail.

Within food retail, the volume of sales grew 9.6% in non-specialized food and beverage shops (accounting for 79% of food retail), and by 2.1% in specialized food, beverage and tobacco stores.

Within non-food retail, sales rose in stores selling pharmaceuticals, medical goods and cosmetics (16%), non-specialized shops dealing in manufactured goods (7.2%), bookshops, computer equipment and other specialized stores (5.7%), and furniture and electrical goods stores (4.6%). The volume of sales fell in textile, clothing and footwear shops (-6.1%), and in second-hand goods stores (-14%).

The volume of mail order and internet retail, accounting for 4.0% of all retail sales and covering a wide range of goods, rose by 27%, continuing a multi-year expansion.

The volume of sales in automotive fuel stations increased by 5.1%. Sales in stores selling motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and accessories, which are not included in retail data, did not change.

In absolute terms in March 2018, sales in the national retail trade network, as well as in mail order and internet retail, amounted to HUF 909 billion at current prices.

Food, drink and tobacco stores accounted for 49% of all retail sales, while the relevant figures for non-food retail shops and the network of petrol stations were 36% and 15%, respectively.

First-quarter sales up 7.3%

In January–March 2018, compared to the first quarter of the previous year, and adjusted for calendar effects, the volume of sales in retail shops increased by 7.3%, adjusted 0.1 of a percentage point upwards from the figure in the first estimate.

The volume of sales rose by 5.4% in food, drink and tobacco shops, by 9.5% in non-food retail trade, and by 7.5% in automotive fuel retail.

A first estimate of retail trade figures for April 2018 will be published on June 5, followed by a second, more detailed estimate on June 22.