South Africa’s retail sector showed stronger momentum in mid-2026, with retail sales rising 3.4% year-on-year in July 2026, up from a 1.1% increase in June 2026. The latest data, updated on 16 September 2026, highlight a noticeable pickup in consumer spending when compared with the same period a year earlier.
Both the current and previous readings are measured on a year-over-year basis, meaning July’s 3.4% figure reflects how retail sales changed versus July of the prior year, while June’s 1.1% gain is relative to June a year earlier. The acceleration suggests an improving trend in retail activity as the third quarter of 2026 got under way, marking a firmer backdrop for the consumer side of the South African economy.
