Retail sales in Poland increased by 4.4% year-on-year in January 2026, above market expectations of 3.1%, but moderating from a 5.3% rise in December 2025. The overall slowdown was mainly driven by weaker growth in sales of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels (4.6% vs 8.3% in December), as well as furniture, radio and TV equipment, and household appliances (10.5% vs 19.8%). In addition, sales of motor vehicles, motorcycles, and parts contracted markedly (-4.5% vs +13.1%).
By contrast, several categories recorded stronger gains. Sales accelerated for food, beverages, and tobacco products (4.2% vs 1.9%), pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and orthopedic equipment (9.6% vs 8.4%), textiles, clothing, and footwear (17.6% vs 6%), and newspapers, books, and other goods sold in specialized stores (8.1% vs 1.4%).
On a monthly basis, retail sales fell sharply by 17.8% in January, reversing the 12.5% increase recorded in December.
