As the world struggles to cope with the coronavirus pandemic, sales of clothing and shoes plummeted by 49.6 percent in Poland in year-on-year terms, and those of motor vehicles went down by 30.9 percent, the state-run statistics agency reported.
Among other goods, sales of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics increased 8.8 percent, while sales of food, beverages and tobacco products rose by 2.5 percent, according to the Central Statistical Office.
In terms of current prices, retail sales last month were 7.1 percent lower than in March 2019, the statistics office also said.
It added that, in month-on-month terms, retail sales in March were 3.3 percent lower than in February.
Poland last month declared a "state of epidemic" and closed its borders to non-residents in a move to curb the spread of the COVID-19 disease.
In another move to contain the spread of the coronavirus epidemic, the government has limited the operations of shopping malls and closed all pubs, clubs and entertainment venues.
The lockdown has affected many businesses and service providers.
Meanwhile, online shopping has shot up in the country amid fears of the coronavirus, according to a report last month.
(gs/pk)
Source: PAP