Colombia retail sales rose 5.3% in real terms in July 2026
By Alexander SchekGo-to-market and sales leadership in Latin America
1 min readColombian retail sales, including vehicles, grew 5.3% in real terms in July 2026 according to DANE, and 11.4% from January to July. Computers and telecom grew 2.8% in July but 21.1% for the year. The two numbers measure different periods.
Colombian retail sales, including vehicles, grew 5.3% in real terms in July compared with a year earlier, according to the monthly retail survey from DANE, Colombia's statistics agency. Without fuel, growth was 7.3%. From January to July, sales are up 11.4%.
Computers and telecom equipment for personal or household use grew 2.8% in July. For January to July, the same category is up 21.1%. Household appliances and furniture grew 11.9% in July and 18.2% so far this year.
Retail employment rose 1.0% in July. Permanent staff grew 3.1%, and temporary staff hired through agencies fell 8.0%.
The 21.1% is not the same as July's pace. It covers seven months, while the 2.8% compares one month with July 2025. DANE's figures are also provisional.
Real growth: July versus January to July
Source: DANE, Monthly Retail Survey (EMC), July 2026
Publication: Originally published on my professional LinkedIn on October 8, 2026.