Retail sales volume in Sweden experienced a notable downturn in May 2025, according to the latest figures released by Statistics Sweden. Seasonally and working-day adjusted data show that retail sales volume dropped by 4.8% compared with April 2025. This decline was more pronounced in durable goods, which fell by 6.0%, while consumables (excluding Systembolaget, the state-owned liquor store chain) decreased by 2.8%.
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Looking at the broader short-term trend, retail sales volume for the three-month period from March to May 2025 decreased by 0.6% compared with the preceding December to February period. Durable goods sales fell by 0.3%, and consumables declined by 0.5% over the same interval.
Year-on-year comparisons also highlight a weakening market, with retail sales volume down by 1.8% in May 2025 relative to May 2024. Durable goods sales decreased by 1.5%, and consumables sales fell by 1.4% when adjusted for working days.
In terms of turnover measured at current prices, total retail trade recorded a decline of 0.7% in May 2025 compared to May 2024. The downturn was driven by durable goods, which saw a 2.3% decrease, whereas sales in consumables actually rose by 2.6% during the same period.
Statistics Sweden noted that the Retail Trade Index methodology has been enhanced since May 2015 by incorporating quarterly administrative data from the Swedish Tax Agency, increasing the number of companies surveyed and improving statistical quality. This approach also reduces the response burden for businesses.
Jeongwon Kim from Statistics Sweden said: 'Our data reflects a challenging environment for the retail sector in Sweden, with durable goods especially impacted by ongoing economic pressures. The slight growth in consumables turnover suggests consumer focus may be shifting towards everyday essentials.'
The next retail sales statistics covering June 2025 are scheduled for publication on 30 July 2025.
More information:
Statistics Sweden (SCB)
www.scb.se