Retail sales in Norway increased by 0.6% month-on-month in August 2026, rebounding from a downwardly revised 0.6% decline in July. The recovery was driven by higher sales in non-specialized stores (0.5% vs -0.2% in July), food and beverages (0.7% vs -1.2%), automotive fuel (5.3% vs -4.1%), and other household equipment (0.5% vs -0.8%). Sales of cultural and recreation goods also gained momentum, rising 1.9% compared with a 0.2% increase in the prior month.
By contrast, sales of ICT equipment contracted more sharply (-3.7% vs -2.3%), while growth in trade outside of traditional stores—such as stalls and other non-store formats—slowed to 1% from 1.7%. On an annual basis, retail sales declined 1%, moderating from a 2% fall in the previous month.
