Retail trade activity in Montenegro saw an increase in turnover during the fourth quarter of last year compared with the same period in 2024, according to preliminary data released by the national statistics office, Statistical Office of Montenegro (MONSTAT). The figures indicate that consumer spending remained resilient across several key retail categories, despite broader economic fluctuations.
Data show that retail trade turnover in the fourth quarter was up by about 7.2 percent in current prices and 3.2 percent in constant prices relative to the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting stronger sales activity over the year-end period. The increase covers a range of product segments, from food and fuel to pharmaceuticals and non-food goods.
Analysing the detailed breakdown, turnover in retail sales of motor fuels grew by 6.9 percent year-on-year, while sales of food products were up by about 6.6 percent compared with the same quarter in the previous year, indicating that everyday consumer purchases contributed strongly to the overall retail performance. The retail sale of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products expanded by roughly 12.5 percent, outperforming other categories in relative terms. Retail sales of other non-food products also rose, by approximately 6.5 percent year-on-year.
Despite the annual increases, quarter-to-quarter comparisons suggest mixed short-term patterns. Turnover in both motor fuels and food categories was lower when compared with the preceding third quarter, which is typical given seasonal spending cycles. Sales of motor fuels were down by about 22.2 percent relative to the third quarter, and food retail turnover declined by 22.7 percent in the same comparison — trends that reflect weaker activity after summer travel and holiday-season demand.
The MONSTAT data points to ongoing growth in consumer spending power and retail sector activity, as Montenegrin households and businesses continued to purchase a broad mix of goods despite inflationary pressures that have affected food and energy prices in recent years. The performance in the fourth quarter suggests a stabilising consumption pattern and sustained demand across both essential and discretionary retail segments, supported by a gradually recovering economic environment.
