FX.co ★ South Africa Retail Sales Growth Quickens

In July 2025, South Africa experienced a notable 5.6% growth in retail sales compared to the previous year, marking the highest increase in the past three months and a notable acceleration from June's 1.7% growth. This surge was primarily fueled by significant sales in textiles, clothing, footwear, and leather goods, which rose by 10.0%. Additionally, general dealers saw a 3.3% increase, while 'other' retailers experienced an 11.9% boost, and hardware, paint, and glass retailers noted a 13.2% jump. On a month-to-month basis, retail sales grew by 2.1% in July, representing the strongest monthly increase since December 2023. This comes after a revised 0.1% decline in the preceding month. Over a three-month period ending in July 2025, retail trade sales increased by 3.8% in comparison to the equivalent period ending in July 2024.