Czech retail sales experienced a slowdown in January, with year-on-year growth dropping to 2.8% from December’s 6.4% increase. The Czech Statistical Office reported that online sales and fuel sales were the main contributors to this growth.
According to Jana Gotvaldová from the Czech Statistical Office, price-adjusted retail sales showed increases across food, fuel, and non-food goods sectors. However, stores selling computer equipment, communication devices, and household products reported lower sales figures.
The automotive sector, which is calculated separately, showed modest growth with a 0.7% year-on-year increase and a 1.2% month-on-month rise.
Cyrrus economist Vít Hradil described January’s retail performance as “slightly disappointing,” noting that while December’s growth had suggested increasing consumer confidence, it appears to have been merely a temporary holiday season boost.
In a broader perspective, current Czech retail activity remains at levels comparable to spring 2019, with consumers still purchasing 1% less than in pre-pandemic January 2020. This stands in contrast to the average EU citizen, who is now buying 4.5% more.