Retail Turnover in Croatia Grows Strongly in December and Across 2025

Retail trade in Croatia continued its upward trend in December 2025, with total turnover reaching €2.55 billion, representing an 8.14 percent increase compared to December 2024, according to data released by the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK).

At the same time, the number of issued receipts increased by 3.6 percent, indicating sustained consumer activity across the country.

The strongest year-on-year growth in December was recorded in Požega-Slavonia County, where retail turnover rose by 11.06 percent. This was followed by Krapina-Zagorje County with growth of 10.79 percent, while Lika-Senj and Vukovar-Srijem counties both recorded increases of 10.16 percent.

Commenting on the figures, Maja Bogović, Director of the Trade Sector at the Croatian Chamber of Economy, said that the rise in overall retail turnover is primarily driven by increased household disposable income. She noted that positive macroeconomic indicators in recent years have contributed to stronger consumer spending across the country.

Consumption Up for the 32nd Consecutive Month

On an annual level, total retail turnover in Croatia in 2025 amounted to €28.3 billion, marking a 6.5 percent increase in value and a 0.59 percent rise in the number of receipts compared to 2024.

The highest annual growth in retail turnover was again recorded in Krapina-Zagorje County, with an increase of 10.3 percent, which also posted the largest rise in the number of receipts, up 3.14 percent year-on-year.

July was the strongest month of 2025 in terms of retail turnover, with sales exceeding €2.9 billion. The highest monthly growth compared to the same period in 2024 was recorded in April, up 12.41 percent, largely due to the impact of Easter, while June saw an increase of 11.35 percent, supported by an exceptionally strong pre-season, HGK reported.

Retail consumption in Croatia has been rising steadily for an extended period. According to data from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, retail trade turnover increased on an annual basis for the 32nd consecutive month in November, growing by 1.4 percent.