Retail sales in Switzerland rose by 1.6% year-on-year in April 2026, far exceeding market estimates for a 0.2% rise, following an upwardly revised 1% gain in the previous month. Sales in the non-food sector excluding service stations led the upturn, rising 2.5% from 2.2% in March, driven largely by higher revenues for other household equipment, textiles, DIY and furniture (3.2% vs -3.1%) and cultural and recreational goods (1.1% vs 2.9%), which partly offset declines in information and communication equipment (-1.7% vs 2.95). Additionally, turnover recovered for food, beverages and tobacco, up 0.3% after a 0.8% loss in the prior month. Overall retail trade excluding service stations also increased at a faster pace (1.4% vs 1%). In contrast, sales in service stations declined 0.5%, reversing a 3.3% in March. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, retail sales edged up by 0.1% in April, easing from a 0.3% gain in the preceding period.