South Africa retail surges 3.6% in Q3 as durable goods drive recovery

• Durable goods lift South Africa’s retail rebound
• Flat monthly growth shows household caution

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s retail trade expanded 3.6% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025, signalling a tentative consumer rebound despite persistent economic pressures.

Preliminary data from Statistics South Africa shows that September retail activity rose 3.1% from a year earlier, even as month-on-month growth remained flat. The strongest performer was household furniture, appliances and equipment, which jumped 11.4%.