Retail Turnover Surges as May Value Climbs 9.8% and Volume Rises 7.5%
CYSTAT reports a strong May 2026 for retail trade, with turnover value up 9.8% and volume climbing 7.5%. Significant growth in apparel, tech equipment, and automotive fuel values drove the annual increases.
Annual Growth in Retail Value and Volume
The Turnover Value Index of Retail Trade increased by 9.8% in May 2026 compared to the same month of the previous year, according to data published on Wednesday by the Statistical Service. During the same month, the Turnover Volume Index of Retail Trade rose by 7.5%, compared to the same month of the previous year. From January to May 2026, a 7.1% increase was recorded in the Turnover Value Index of Retail Trade compared to the corresponding period of 2025. Similarly, during the same period, the Turnover Volume Index of Retail Trade recorded an increase of 5.9%.
Key Sector Drivers for Value Gains
Regarding the value index, the largest annual increase was recorded in automotive fuel (20.9%), in the category of other household equipment (construction materials, carpets, furniture, electrical appliances, lighting) by 12%, and in cultural and recreation goods (books, stationery, sports equipment, toys) by 10.1%.
Significant Shifts in Retail Volume Demand
In terms of volume, the largest increase in retail trade turnover was recorded in clothing and footwear (19.4%), in the information and communication equipment (17.6%), and in the category of other household equipment (construction materials, carpets, furniture, electrical appliances, lighting) by 13.3%.
Sector Deficits and Annual Market Contractions
On the other hand, a decrease of 3.8% was recorded in the Turnover Volume Index of Retail Trade of automotive fuel and 2.1% in flowers, plants, watches, jewellery, optical goods and second-hand goods.
