The volume of retail sales in Belgium, excluding fuels, increased by 11.7% in March 2024 compared to the previous month, according to the latest data from the Belgian statistical office, Statbel.
The sales of goods in non-specialised stores increased 11.2% month-on-month, with food, beverages, and tobacco leading this growth, data showed.
Sales of other goods in specialised stores grew 13.2% during this period, while sales of other household equipment in specialised stores increased by 11.6%.
Automotive fuel sales in specialised stores increased by 5.2% and textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods in specialised stores saw 26.8% growth.
Annual Comparison
Retail trade volume declined 5.3% in March 2024 compared to the same period last year.
Sales in non-specialised stores declined 8.7% during the month, led by food, beverages or tobacco categories.
Household equipment in specialised stores saw a sales decline of 6.2%, while sales of other goods in specialised stores fell 0.4% year-on-year.
Automotive fuel sales in specialised stores dropped 0.3%, while textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods in specialised stores registered a sales decline of 0.5%.
Consumer Trends
Elsewhere, a study commissioned by Aldi has unveiled that around 88% of shoppers in Belgium are concerned about their purchasing power.
The iVOX survey, conducted among 1,000 Belgians, unveiled that consumers are relying more on own brands, special offers and price reductions to create additional flexibility in their budgets.
Respondents said they use the money saved from their grocery carts on leisure and pleasure purchases.
While nine out of ten Belgians say they paid attention to their household budgets last year, almost all respondents (97%) intend to pay attention to it this year, the study found.
