In January, Latvia’s retail sector saw a notable increase in overall turnover by 6.1% compared to the previous year. While food retail experienced a decline of 1.7%, non-food retail surged by 9.5%, excluding fuel sales, which also rose by 11.4%. A particularly significant contributor for this increase was the sales of cultural and leisure goods, which skyrocketed by 30.4%, indicating a strong consumer interest in recreational activities as winter sports gained popularity amid favorable weather conditions.

The rise in sales in specialized retail stores for cultural and leisure items can be attributed to unusual weather patterns encouraging more winter sports participation among the population. This trend positively affected demand for sports equipment and related merchandise, as indicated by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSP) of Latvia. Furthermore, apparel, footwear, and leather goods also saw a marked increase in sales with a growth rate of 16.5%, showing robust consumer spending in these categories.

In general, the total retail turnover, measured at actual prices, rose by 4% when excluding calendar effects, showcasing a resiliency in the retail market. However, despite these gains in several sectors, there was a decline in sales from stalls and markets by 4.4%, highlighting some challenges faced within traditional retail channels. This data indicates a mixed and evolving retail landscape in Latvia as consumer preferences shift during the winter season.