Retail sales in Poland rose by 3% year-on-year in May 2026, following a 1.3% growth in the previous month, missing market expectations of a 3.8% gain. Sales increased for motor vehicles, motorcycles and parts (2.1% vs 0.8% in April), pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and orthopedic equipment (9.3% vs 9.1%), furniture, radio, TV, and household appliances (4.5% vs 1%), while activity contracted at a softer pace for food, beverages, and tobacco (-2.8% vs -5.8%) and newspapers, books, and other sales in specialized stores (-0.6% vs -5.9%). In addition, sales recovered sharply for textiles, clothing, and footwear (3.8% vs -9.5%). Meanwhile, sales growth moderated for solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels (9.9% vs 25.6%). On a monthly basis, retail sales fell 1.7% in May, easing from a 0.8% drop in the preceding period. Cumulatively, retail activity grew by 2.9% higher compared to the same period a year ago.