Poland’s retail sales rose 3.9% year-on-year in July, missing analyst estimates of 4.5% growth in a Reuters poll. The increase marked a deceleration from June’s 6.2% annual expansion, reflecting mixed sector performance across the economy.
On a monthly basis, retail sales increased 2.2% in July, up from a 1.4% rise in June. The broader slowdown was driven by a 0.2% annual decline in fuel sales, reversing June’s 9.0% growth, and a 1.7% monthly drop in fuel demand after a 1.4% increase the prior month.
Motor vehicle and parts sales continued to expand, rising 8.1% year-on-year in July, though this was below June’s 9.6% gain. Monthly sales in the category grew 1.7% after a 3.2% increase in June. Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics also outperformed, with 10.8% annual growth in July, up from 10.2% in June, and monthly sales surging 4.7%.
Sectors such as furniture, appliances, and electronics recorded an 8.8% annual increase in July, though this was down from 14.8% in June. Monthly sales in the category jumped 8.6% after a 0.6% rise in June. Food, beverages, and tobacco sales grew 1.5% year-on-year, slightly below June’s 1.7% pace, while monthly sales rose 4.1%.
Clothing and footwear sales declined 1.7% year-on-year in July, reversing June’s 3.3% growth, and monthly sales fell 0.4% after a 5.0% increase. Newspapers and books sales also contracted, with a 1.2% annual drop in July following a 3.0% gain in June, while monthly sales fell 1.0%.
