FX.co ★ Bulgaria Retail Sales Growth at 4-Month Low

In August 2025, Bulgaria's retail sales experienced a 4.9% increase year-on-year, showing a slowdown from the 6.0% growth recorded in July. This deceleration was primarily influenced by reduced sales in non-food items, which grew at 9.8% compared to 11.8% in July. Additionally, sales of computer and communication equipment rose by 10.3%, down from 18.9%, and pharmaceutical, medical goods, cosmetics, and toiletries saw a growth of 6.7%, a decrease from 9.5%. Automotive fuels and lubricants sales remained stable at 3.0%. However, there was a further decline in food, beverages, and tobacco sales, which fell by 0.8%, following a 0.1% drop previously. In contrast, certain categories saw improved growth: non-specialized stores recorded a 13.8% increase, up from 10.7%; textiles, clothing, footwear, and leather goods grew by 19.8%, rising from 16.6%; household appliances, furniture, and other household goods saw a growth of 12.5%, up from 11.9%; and sales via mail order, telephone, or internet increased by 7.2%, up from 6.3%. On a month-to-month basis, retail sales remained flat in August, following a downward revision of a 0.3% decline in the previous period.