Household consumption almost 5 percent up in July

Consumption figures have been adjusted for price changes and differences in the shopping-day pattern.

Consumers spent more on services and durable goods

Consumers spent 8.3 percent more on services such as telephone and internet subscriptions, insurance, visits to hairdressers, restaurants, and football games than in July 2020. This can partly be attributed to the relaxation of COVID-19 rules. As of 5 June 2021, bars and restaurants were allowed to open between 6AM and 10PM. Furthermore, cinemas, theatres and indoor locations in zoos and amusement parks were allowed to open under conditions. As of 26 June, all events in regular public places, such as bars, restaurants, cinemas, convention centres and music venues, were allowed again.

In July 2021, consumption of services was still 0.7 percent lower than in July 2019. In general, spending on services accounts for over half of total domestic consumer expenditure.

Consumers spent 1.6 percent more on durable goods in July 2021 compared to the same month last year. Spending on clothes and shoes was up in particular, while spending on passenger cars decreased.

Consumers spent 1.1 percent more on food, beverages and tobacco than in July 2020. Consumption of other goods, such as natural gas, electricity and motor fuels, was 1.9 percent down year-on-year.

Over three weeks ago, CBS reported year-on-year turnover growth in retail trade of 3.4 percent in July 2021. Turnover in the non-food sector grew by 3.3 percent relative to the same month last year, while turnover in the food sector shrank by 1.2 percent. Online turnover was 11.1 percent higher than in July 2020. These figures have also been adjusted for the shopping-day pattern.