07.04.202607:20:55UTC+00Czech Retail Sales Growth Slows in February

Retail sales in the Czech Republic increased by 4.1% year-on-year in February 2026, exceeding market expectations of a 3.8% rise but slowing from a downwardly revised 4.9% expansion in January. Growth in several segments decelerated, including automotive fuel sales (3.4% vs 5.8% in January), sales outside traditional stores such as stalls and markets (19.3% vs 16.1%), and mail-order and internet sales (17.6% vs 20.8%). Turnover in the non-food segment also weakened (6.6% vs 8.2%), most notably in culture, sports, and recreation goods (5.4% vs 9.4%), information and communication equipment (1.5% vs 2.2%), and cosmetics and toiletries (7.9% vs 8.4%). By contrast, sales strengthened in non-specialised stores (1.5% vs 0.9%) and in food, beverages, and tobacco (1.2% vs 0.2%). On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, retail sales were unchanged, following a 0.9% increase in the previous month.