Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Retail turnover in Slovakia increased by 0.9% year-on-year in real terms in May 2026, supported by stronger sales in specialised retail stores, according to the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic.
Four of the nine retail trade categories recorded year-on-year growth after adjusting for inflation, while overall performance was held back by weaker results from e-commerce and large grocery retailers.
The strongest contribution came from specialised stores selling other goods, including pharmacies, drugstores, clothing and footwear retailers, and household fuel outlets, where turnover rose 6.2% compared with May 2025.
Double-digit growth was also recorded by DIY, furniture and electronics retailers, as well as stores specialising in sporting goods, books, toys, computers and information technology equipment.
By contrast, online and mail-order retailers recorded a 13% decline in turnover, while sales at hypermarkets and supermarkets fell 3% year-on-year. These segments account for a significant share of Slovakia’s retail market.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, retail turnover increased 0.1% from April.
For the first five months of 2026, retail turnover rose 0.2% year-on-year in real terms, with five of the nine retail segments recording growth.
Outside retail, accommodation providers posted the strongest annual increase, with turnover rising 19.7% in real terms during May. Wholesale turnover increased 8.2% in current prices.
Meanwhile, turnover in the sale and repair of motor vehicles declined 12.5% in real terms, while food and beverage service activities recorded a 3% decrease.
Compared with April, seasonally adjusted turnover increased 14.4% in accommodation and 10% in food service activities. Motor vehicle sales and repairs fell 2.7%, while wholesale turnover edged down 0.3%.
During the first five months of 2026, accommodation turnover increased 19.4% year-on-year, wholesale grew 5.7%, while turnover in motor vehicle sales and repairs declined 8.6% and food service activities fell 2.4%.
