Retail sales in Switzerland rose by 3.2% year-on-year in August 2026, accelerating from an upwardly revised 2.6% increase in the previous month and surpassing market expectations of 2.2%. This marked the highest reading in three months, as activity increased in food, beverages, and tobacco, rising by 2.1% from 1.4% in July, while non-food sales excluding petrol stations also recorded gains, up by 3.4% from 2.4%, lifted by increases in other household equipment, textiles, DIY, and furniture (5.0% vs 1.9%) and other goods (5.6% vs 3.3%). Moreover, sales recovered in cultural and recreational goods (0.2% vs -1.7%). However, activity declined in information and communication technology products (-0.3% vs 3.2%) and mail-order and internet retail trade (-3.1% vs 2.8%). Overall retail sales also fell further at service stations (-7.5% vs -0.7%). On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, retail activity grew by 0.4% in August, following a 0.1% increase in the preceding period.