Colombia’s retail sector started 2026 on a softer note, with year-over-year sales growth slowing to 7.8% in January, down from an 11.0% increase recorded in December 2025. The figures, updated on 16 March 2026, reflect a moderation in consumer spending momentum after a strong year-end performance.
Both the current and previous readings are calculated on a year-over-year basis, comparing each month with the same month a year earlier. While January’s 7.8% gain still signals solid expansion in retail activity, the pullback from December’s double-digit growth may suggest that holiday-driven demand is normalizing as the new year begins.
Investors and policymakers will be watching upcoming releases closely to determine whether January marks the start of a broader cooling trend in consumer demand or merely a pause following December’s robust surge in retail sales.
