Introduction

In August 2025, Turkey’s trade data revealed a mixed but cautiously positive picture. Overall trade sales volume rose by 6.9 % year-on-year (YoY), although it slipped 1.4 % month-on-month (MoM), according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (Turkstat). In the retail sector more broadly, sales volume climbed 12.2 % YoY and 0.9 % MoM. Within this broader landscape, the textile, clothing and footwear segment saw a 3.7 % YoY rise and 0.5 % MoM gain. In this post, we dig into what’s behind these numbers, what they imply for Turkey’s fashion & retail sectors, and what to watch going forward.

The Data in Focus

• Trade sales volume in Turkey (which includes wholesale + retail + motor vehicles, repair) was up 6.9 % YoY, but down 1.4 % MoM in August.

• Wholesale trade volume grew 3.4 % YoY but declined 3.1 % MoM.

• Retail trade volume increased by 12.2 % YoY and 0.9 % MoM.

• In the narrower category of textile, clothing & footwear, retail sales rose 3.7 % YoY and 0.5 % MoM.

These figures suggest that while consumer demand broadly is strengthening, the fashion/garment segment is growing at a slower clip than the retail average.

1. Retail vs Wholesale Divergence

The stronger YoY performance in retail (12.2 %) compared to wholesale (3.4 %) indicates consumer demand is outpacing upstream inventory or B2B trades. Retailers may be benefiting from pent-up demand, seasonal promotions, or restocking that is more consumer-facing.

2. Relative Weakness in Textile/Fashion Segment

A 3.7 % YoY increase is modest in comparison to overall retail growth. Several factors might be constraining faster growth:

• Inflation pressures / cost pass-through: Rising input and manufacturing costs may be limiting price cuts or promotional flexibility.

• Consumer purchasing power squeeze: High inflation and economic uncertainty might push consumers to prioritize essential goods over discretionary apparel.

• Competition from imports / parallel markets: Cheap imports or grey-market clothing could eat into domestic demand.

• Inventory backlogs / supply chain constraints: Disruptions or logistic delays might slow new collections from reaching stores promptly.

3. Month-on-Month (MoM) Moderation

The 0.5 % MoM gain suggests growth is stabilizing rather than accelerating. After months of strong base effects, sustaining momentum may be a challenge, particularly if consumer sentiment weakens or macro risks rise.

4. Macro & Policy Tailwinds / Headwinds

Turkey’s broader macro environment—currency volatility, inflation, interest rates, consumer confidence—will be key. If consumer sentiment sours, even a 12.2 % YoY retail growth may taper off. On the flip side, supportive fiscal or monetary measures, or stimulus in textile exports, could lend a tailwind.

Conclusion

The August 2025 data presents a cautiously optimistic picture for Turkey’s retail sector. While overall trade and retail volumes are rising strongly, the textile, clothing & footwear segment is posting more moderate growth at 3.7 % YoY and 0.5 % MoM. This suggests that fashion retail is experiencing headwinds even as consumer demand strengthens elsewhere. Going forward, sustaining momentum will require managing inflation, supply chain resilience, pricing strategies, and consumer confidence. For stakeholders in Turkey’s textile and apparel sector, keeping a close eye on monthly Turkstat updates, consumer sentiment indices, and policy moves will be crucial to navigate the evolving landscape.