Thursday, 12 March 2026
Retail sales in the Czech Republic increased at the start of 2026, supported mainly by strong growth in online shopping, according to data published by the Czech Statistical Office.
In January 2026, retail sales excluding motor vehicles rose by 5 percent year-on-year in real terms, meaning the figures were adjusted for inflation. Compared with December, sales increased by 1 percent.
The strongest annual growth was recorded in non-food retail, where sales rose by 7.8 percent. Sales of automotive fuel also increased significantly, growing by 7.3 percent compared with the same month in 2025. Food sales recorded only marginal growth of 0.3 percent.
According to the statistical office, online and mail-order retail made the largest contribution to the overall increase in retail sales. Sales through these channels rose by 18.7 percent year-on-year, reflecting continued growth in e-commerce.
Several specialised retail segments also reported higher sales. Retailers selling cultural and recreational goods recorded a 9.1 percent increase, while cosmetics and personal care products grew by 8.5 percent. Sales of clothing, footwear and leather goods rose by 6.9 percent, while retailers of information and communication equipment saw a 4.6 percent increase. Pharmacies and specialised stores selling medical and orthopaedic products reported sales growth of 3.9 percent.
By contrast, some segments experienced weaker performance. Sales in specialised stores selling other household equipment declined by 3 percent year-on-year, while specialised retailers of food, beverages and tobacco recorded a decrease of 2.8 percent. In non-specialised stores where food and beverages predominate, sales rose slightly by 0.6 percent, while other non-specialised retail stores reported growth of 6.3 percent.
The automotive sector showed a different trend. Sales related to the sale and repair of motor vehicles declined both in monthly and annual comparisons. Compared with December, sales fell by 0.9 percent, while year-on-year they decreased by 5.2 percent. Both the sale of vehicles and spare parts and vehicle repair services recorded the same annual decline.
The figures are adjusted for price effects and provide an early indication of consumer spending trends at the beginning of the year.
Source: CSO
