Retail sales accelerated in the Balearic Islands during October with a year-on-year growth of 4.3%, according to data published Friday by the National Statistics Institute (INE). The archipelago thus chains a positive balance so far this year, with a cumulative increase of 4.6%, despite the monthly decline recorded after the tourist season.
Compared to September, the Islands’ trade recorded a 7.5% drop, a common variation after the end of the summer, when consumption moderates once the summer peak of visitors is over.
At the national level, the General Retail Trade Index – adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects – grew by 3.8% year-on-year in October, three tenths of a point less than in the previous month. In its original series, the indicator showed an increase of 4.4%, although also with a deceleration of 1.8 points with respect to September.
Despite the general slowdown in Spain, the Balearic Islands continues to be slightly above the national average in annual evolution, driven by a solid tourist season and local consumption which, although showing signs of monthly moderation, remains in positive territory.
