Retail sales in Poland increased by 3% year-on-year in May 2026, up from 1.3% in April but below market expectations of a 3.8% rise. Sales grew in several categories, including motor vehicles, motorcycles, and parts (2.1% vs 0.8% in April); pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and orthopedic equipment (9.3% vs 9.1%); and furniture, radio, TV, and household appliances (4.5% vs 1%). The pace of decline eased for food, beverages, and tobacco (-2.8% vs -5.8%) as well as for newspapers, books, and other goods sold in specialized stores (-0.6% vs -5.9%).
Sales rebounded strongly for textiles, clothing, and footwear, which rose 3.8% after a 9.5% drop in the previous month. By contrast, growth slowed markedly in solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels (9.9% vs 25.6%). On a monthly basis, retail sales fell by 1.7% in May, following a 0.8% decline in April. Cumulatively, retail sales in the year to date were 2.9% higher than in the same period a year earlier.
