Sales at large retail stores in Catalonia decreased by 4.2% year-on-year in September 2026 at constant prices, according to the Institute of Statistics of Catalonia (Idescat), after adjusting for seasonal and calendar effects.
The decline affected both major product categories: food sales dropped by 3.1% and non-food sales fell by 4.6% over the same period last year. The figures highlight a broad-based slowdown across the retail sector.
On a monthly basis, the general sales index at constant prices fell by 2.2% compared to August 2026. Non-food products saw the steepest monthly decline at 4.3%, while food product sales dipped by 0.7%.
The unadjusted series showed an even starker picture, with the general index at constant prices falling by 4.5% year-on-year. At current prices, the index dropped by 1.0%, indicating that inflation did not offset the volume decline.
National and Regional Context
Spain-wide retail sales also declined in September, falling by 1.6% year-on-year, the largest drop since November 2022, according to Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), as reported by The Corner on 30 October 2026.
In Catalonia, the Retail Trade Index (ICD) excluding service stations fell by 1.5% year-on-year in September, while the index including service stations dropped by 2.7%, Idescat data published on 29 October 2026 shows.
What This Means for Consumers and Businesses
The sustained drop in retail activity suggests weakening consumer confidence in Catalonia, with households cutting back on both essential and discretionary spending.
Small chain stores, department stores, and single-outlet retailers all reported year-on-year sales declines in September, while e-commerce and large chain stores saw growth nationally, according to The Corner.
The latest figures reflect ongoing economic pressures on Catalan households, including high living costs and inflation, which continue to dampen retail demand.
Sources: Govern de Catalunya, idescat.cat, thecorner.eu.
