NIQ Retail Spend Barometer Reveals Record Sales Growth in Q3 with Renewed Volume Increases

• The NIQ Retail Spend Barometer sheds light on consumer spending trends.
• In the third quarter (Q3) of the year, consumers spent 144 billion CZK in FMCG spending, growing at 3.3% vs the previous year.
• The Tech & Durable (T&D) sector was valued at 26 billion CZK growing by 8.3% in Q3 2024 compared to the same period last year.

Czechia, 18 November 2024 – Consumers in Czechia are showing resilience following the recent inflationary shock, with Q3 2024 marking the strongest sales growth compared to earlier this year, according to the NIQ Retail Spend Barometer. Total FMCG spending reached 144 billion CZK in Q3, reflecting a 3.3% year-over-year increase, while the Tech and Durable (T&D) sector saw a 8.3% growth, reaching 26 billion CZK.

According to the newly launched NIQ Retail Spend Barometer, which combines data from NIQ and GfK, the Barometer measures FMCG and T&D sales turnover in Czech stores, offering brands and retailers a comprehensive view of sales trends. Tracking food, perishables, home and personal care, technical consumer goods, household appliances, and DIY, the study provides quarterly insights based on real sales data across these categories.

Rising Spending in Key Categories Drives FMCG Growt

According to NIQ data, Q3 2024 saw the highest FMCG growth of the year, with total value increasing by 3.3% from the same period in 2023. While prices rose modestly by 1.6%, volume growth of 1.7% returned after two quarters of stagnation.

• Fresh Food: As the largest department within FMCG responsible for almost one quarter of total customers expenditures, Fresh Food saw strong growth driven by the Fruit segment, while Vegetables and Meat segments remained stable.
• Personal Care: Leading in growth at 8.6%, the Personal Care category saw significant boosts in Skin Care (16%) and Fragrances & Deodorants (10%). This segment’s consistent performance over the years has contributed to the steady rise in specialized drug stores, which have grown in sales by double digits annually for the last decade, with the exception of 2020, first pandemic year.
• Tobacco Products: Tobacco sales rose 8.9%, influenced by both regular tax increases and new product developments like disposable electronic cigarettes and POD systems.
• Baby Care: This was the only segment to experience a decline across all categories in Q3.

T&D Market Sees Positive Growth Despite Consumer Caution

The T&D sector also rebounded in Q3 with a 8.3% YoY growth, reversing a –5.7% decline from Q3 2023.

• Home Appliances: This department led growth in the T&D sector, driven by Small Domestic Appliances (SDA). Notable growth included Air Treatment Appliances (51%), Air Fryers (43%), and Hair Stylers (25%). In contrast, Electric Cooking Pots and Juicers showed declines of -7% and -6%, respectively.
• Technical Consumer Goods (TCG): While overall growth was moderate, notable gains came from the Consumer Electronics sector, particularly Televisions (15%) and IT (10%). Declines in Printer prices and other office machines offset some of this growth.

Pavol Zajac, NIQ Retail Director for Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary, comments: “Consumers in Czechia are gradually recovering from the inflationary impact, with positive signs in spending. However, while employment remains high and job availability is strong, real wages are still trailing behind pre-pandemic levels, and a full recovery is expected over the coming years.”

About NIQ

NielsenIQ (NIQ)  is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. NIQ combined with GfK in 2023, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. Today NIQ has operations in 95+ countries representing 97% of the world’s GDP. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full ViewTM.