Retail sales in South Africa rose by 3.3% from a year ago in August 2026, following a 3.4% advance in July. The reading exceeded market expectations of 3%, keeping retail sales growth close to its strongest level since early 2026. The increase was supported by strong performances across several retail segments, particularly textile, clothing, footwear and leather goods, where sales rose 6.5%. Other retailers recorded the fastest growth among the main contributors, at 8.1%, while general dealers saw a more modest 2.0% increase. Specialised food, beverage and tobacco stores also performed well, with sales up 5.8%. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, retail sales shrank by 0.3%, after a downwardly revised 2.4% rise in the prior month. Retail trade sales grew by 2.6% in the three months ended August 2026 compared with the three months ended August 2025.