FX.co ★ Czech Retail Sales Growth Improves To 5.3%

Retail sales growth in the Czech Republic saw a modest acceleration in August, primarily driven by a heightened demand for non-food items, according to data released by the Czech Statistical Office on Tuesday.

In August, calendar-adjusted retail sales (excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles) increased by 5.3% year-on-year, up from a 4.9% rise observed in the previous month.

Month-over-month, retail sales experienced a slight uptick of 0.1%.

Examining annual growth, sales of non-food products climbed to 7.2% in August, improving from 6.6% in July. In contrast, sales of food, beverages, and tobacco grew at a more subdued pace of 1.6%.

The retail sector for automotive fuel in dedicated outlets witnessed an impressive 9.3% increase, although sales and repairs of motor vehicles and motorcycles noted a slight decline of 0.4%.

Additionally, the data highlighted a significant 16.1% surge in retail sales conducted via mail order or the internet.