Retail sales in Croatia increased by 2.9% year-on-year in September 2026, slowing from 3.1% in August and marking the weakest growth in three months. The deceleration was driven primarily by a deeper decline in sales of automotive fuels and lubricants (-11.9% vs. -9.9% in August), as well as a slight drop in internet and mail-order sales (-0.1% vs. a 2.6% rise previously).
In contrast, growth strengthened in several key segments: sales of food, beverages, and tobacco rose by 4.3% (up from 3.5%); non-food product sales increased by 3.1% (from 2.7%); and trade in specialised stores excluding automotive fuels and lubricants expanded by 3.8% (from 3.5%).
On a monthly basis, retail sales were up 0.5% in September, following a 0.6% increase in August. Over the January–September period, total retail sales were 2.4% higher compared with the same period a year earlier.
