Nicosia:Retail trade in Cyprus experienced notable growth in August 2026, with a year-on-year increase in the turnover value index for retail trade, excluding motor vehicles, rising by 9.3%. The volume index also showed a 7.0% increase, based on data released by the Statistical Service of Cyprus.

According to Cyprus News Agency, during the January-August 2026 period, the value index for retail trade increased by 8.1%, and the volume index rose by 6.4% compared to the same period in 2025. The growth in August was widespread across various retail sectors, with information and communications equipment, clothing and footwear, and fuel showing particularly strong performances.

In August, the value index for information and communications equipment recorded the largest annual increase of 15.9%, with the volume index rising by 24.8%. Clothing and footwear also saw significant growth, with an 8.9% rise in the value index and a 16.7% increase in the volume index.

Sales of other household equipment, which includes building materials, carpets, furniture, electrical appliances, and lighting equipment, increased by 10.2% in value and 12.0% in volume. The educational and recreational goods sector saw a rise of 9.7% in the value index and 12.7% in the volume index, while pharmaceutical, orthopaedic goods, and cosmetics recorded value increases of 7.7% and 7.1%, respectively.

For motor fuels, the value index increased by 21.1% in August, although the volume index decreased by 1.5%. Supermarkets experienced an 8.2% rise in the value index and a 5.1% increase in volume. However, specialised stores selling food, beverages, and tobacco saw a 1.9% increase in the value index alongside a 1.0% decline in volume.

Throughout January to August, most retail categories saw growth. The value index rose by 11.4% for motor fuels, 11.8% for other household equipment, and 10.5% for information and communications equipment. In clothing and footwear, the value index increased by 4.2%, while the volume grew by 12.0%. Overall, excluding motor fuels, the retail trade value index increased by 8.2% in August, with the volume index rising by 7.8%. The first eight months of the year saw corresponding increases of 7.7% and 7.1%.