Retail Sales in Hungary Rise Again

  • 7 Aug 2026 8:12 AM
Retail Sales in Hungary Rise Again
Shopping in Hungary remained on an upward trend in June, with retail sales rising 4.0% year-on-year, according to new figures released by the Central Statistics Office (KSH).

When adjusted for calendar effects, retail sales increased by 3.0% compared with June last year, reflecting continued resilience in household spending despite ongoing economic challenges.

The strongest growth came from non-food retailers, where stronger shopping activity helped drive sales up by 5.1%, while food sales rose a more modest 1.8%. 

Turnover at petrol stations slipped by 0.2%, suggesting fuel purchases remained broadly stable.

Online shopping in Hungary also continued to gain momentum. Internet and mail-order sales, which accounted for 8.9% of total retail turnover, increased by 5.2%, underlining the continued shift towards digital purchasing.

In total, Hungarian retailers recorded HUF 1,780 billion in sales during June. Food retailers accounted for 48% of turnover, non-food stores made up 37%, while petrol stations represented the remaining 15%.

The first half of 2026 paints an encouraging shopping situation in Hungary. Between January and June, retail sales increased by 4.5% compared with the same period last year.

Food sales rose 2.5%, non-food shopping increased by 5.6%, and motor fuel sales posted the strongest growth, rising by 8.3%.

The latest figures suggest that consumer demand continues to support Hungary's economy, with shopping and spending remaining stronger than a year ago.

Full report available here

Photo: Pixabay

*********************************************************************************************

You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: 

Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoop’s groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary

You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters

  • How does this content make you feel?
  • Insider's Guide: Best Markets Around Balaton

    Insider's Guide: Best Markets Around Balaton

    • 30 Sep 2025 6:04 AM

    Wine, cheese, fruit and handcrafted products—markets around Lake Balaton offer more than shopping; they are places to experience local life. Each market has something unique, and here are some favorites worth visiting.

  • New Law to Push Up Shopping Costs in Hungary from October

    New Law to Push Up Shopping Costs in Hungary from October

    • 26 Sep 2025 8:48 AM

    From October, shopping in Hungary will become more expensive as waste management fees rise again. A new decree from the Energy Minister introduces higher costs for manufacturers across several product categories, which are expected to be passed directly on to consumers.

  • Hungarians Spend More Online Abroad Than at Home

    Hungarians Spend More Online Abroad Than at Home

    • 23 Sep 2025 12:21 PM

    For the first time, Hungarian bank card holders spent more on foreign e-commerce sites than on domestic webshops in the second quarter of 2025, as the Ft 1,111 billion total value of foreign purchases surpassed the Ft 1,016 billion spent at home, according to fresh data.

  • Rituals Opens First Hungarian Store

    Rituals Opens First Hungarian Store

    • 22 Sep 2025 12:01 PM

    Dutch lifestyle brand Rituals opened its inaugural Hungarian store on September 17, marking its 1,400th outlet worldwide, Blikk reported.