In September 2025, Bulgaria experienced a notable rise in retail sales, which grew by 5.7% compared to the same month in the previous year. This marks an increase from the 4.9% recorded in August. The growth was particularly significant in the non-food products sector, with sales climbing by 10.6%, up from 9.8% in August. The automotive fuels and lubricants category also saw growth, with sales increasing by 4.2%, compared to 3% the previous month. Additionally, there were substantial gains in the sale of computer and communication equipment, which surged by 16.2% from 10.3%, and audio and video equipment, which rose to 13% from 12.5%. Furthermore, sales of pharmaceutical and medical goods, cosmetics, and toiletries increased by 11.7%, up from 6.7%.
Conversely, there was a turnaround in food, beverages, and tobacco sales, which increased by 0.3% following a decline of 0.8% in the prior month. However, the growth in other non-specialized store retail sales decelerated, recording an increase of only 11% compared to 13.8% previously. Similarly, sales of textiles, clothing, footwear, and leather goods slowed significantly to 10.2% from 19.8%, and mail order, telephone, or internet sales declined to 5.1% from 7.2%. On a month-to-month basis, overall retail sales increased by 0.8% in September, following an upward revision of 0.2% in the prior period.
