Dog food is seeing healthy value sales in Slovakia in 2025, with volume also becoming marginally stronger compared to the past two years, albeit with volume still sub-decimal. This dynamic is created by still-high prices, caused by increased production costs and taxes, despite lowering levels on inflation. For example, as seen with VAT going up from 20% to 23% from 1 January 2025. Added to which, the premiumisation trend plays a notable part in value sales, as consumers are becoming increasingl

Other pet food is achieving positive value sales in 2025, while volume remains in a slump. This dynamic is caused by value being supported by high prices caused by high production and operating costs, taxes, and VAT rising from 20% to 23% in January 2025. Meanwhile, other pets do not see the same levels of population growth than witnessed in cats or dogs, thus the populations of small mammals, reptiles, fish, and birds remain relatively unchanged over the 2024-2025 period. Therefore, sales are c

Sales of pet products are seeing healthy value growth in Slovakia in 2025, with cat litter, pet healthcare, and other pet products all seeing a positive performance. Pet products also follows the same trends seen across the rest of pet care, with value supported by high prices due to hikes in operating cost, taxes, and the increase in VAT from 20% to 23% in January 2025. Within this, consumers are also displaying price-sensitive behaviours and seeking deals and discounts.

Pet care in Slovakia is maintaining positive sales in 2025, in both value and volume terms, and with slightly improved growth rates than seen in 2024. This performance is, in part, due to the stabilisation of interest rates, which hit highs during 2022-2023, before falling in 2024.

Cat food is seeing healthy growth in Slovakia in 2025, in both value and volume terms. Volume is being supported by a growing cat population, while value is supported by high prices. Whilst inflation is stabilising, VAT rates were hiked from 20% to 23% in January 2025, and operating costs remain elevated. In turn, this is keeping unit prices high. Regarding the popularity of cats, cats are often preferred as pets due to being more independent than dogs, thus requiring less time and input. This h

Depilatories saw seen a steady performance in Slovakia in 2024, bolstered by stabilised unit prices. Value growth slowed due to regular promotional events, particularly for pre-shave products, and local consumers remain highly price sensitive. This sensitivity prompts many to opt for cheaper options, even if it means trading down in quality. The overall depilatories category faces challenges from home IPL systems as well as semi-permanent and permanent hair removal services provided by beauty sa

Hair care in Slovakia posted solid growth in 2024, although the overall retail value sales experienced a slowdown primarily due to the stabilisation of unit prices. Local consumers were increasingly attracted to the lower prices offered online, while a premiumisation trend in mass hair care has made higher quality products more accessible at reduced prices. This dynamic has introduced significant competition to salon professional hair care.

Colour cosmetics in Slovakia maintained strong growth in 2024, though the pace slowed compared with the previous year. This performance is driven by a marked premiumisation trend and continuous product innovation, while lower inflation has helped soften the impact of unit price increases, thereby supporting positive volume sales.

In 2024, beauty and personal care in Slovakia experienced overall growth, though retail value gains decelerated relative to the previous year. This moderation is largely attributable to the stabilisation of unit prices and a decline in average inflation. Despite this slower pace, retail volumes exhibited moderate improvement, signalling potential near-term growth. Fragrances and colour cosmetics, in particular, enjoyed robust growth as they continued to recover from the pandemic’s impact. Mass b

Deodorants in Slovakia posted further positive retail volume and current value growth in 2024, as inflationary pressures on prices eased. Deodorant sprays registered the highest retail volume growth during the year, largely due to the expanding availability of small, convenient formats. At the same time, deodorant roll-ons and deodorant sticks experienced slight increases in both retail volume and value, their performance mainly supported by new product entries.

Fragrances in Slovakia posted a solid performance in 2024, buoyed by a notable easing of inflationary pressures that positively affected unit prices and improved retail volumes. Simultaneously, a stronger demand for luxury prestige fragrances contributed to a rise in the average price. Premium men’s and women’s fragrances, premium body mists, along with premium fragrance sets/kits, underpinned the growth in both retail volume and current value, as consumers consistently prefer these options over

Skin care in Slovakia recorded healthy growth during the review period, with both retail volume and current value increasing throughout in 2024, albeit at varying paces. The landscape is characterised by a diverse mix of multinational and local skin care brands, each catering to a wide range of skin problems and consumer needs across all price segments. The increasing focus on skin health and the continuous search for new products that enhance skin beauty underpin volume sales, even as prices st

In 2024, overall bath and shower in Slovakia posted modest growth in terms of value sales. The easing of inflationary pressure contributed to a less severe negative impact on the average unit price, which experienced a mild increase driven by a consumer trend towards eco-friendly products. Slovak consumers demonstrated an increasing interest in products with natural, skin-friendly formulations that typically carry higher price tags. Body wash/shower gel remained the most developed subcategory, a

Unit prices started to stabilise in Slovakia 2024, boosting retail volume sales for oral care while slowing the growth of value sales. Despite this mild improvement, retail volume across all subcategories remains below pre-pandemic levels. Slovak consumers continue to be highly price-sensitive, frequently seeking promotional events to purchase essential oral care products - such as toothpaste, manual toothbrushes, and dental floss - at discounted or bulk prices. Power toothbrushes, meanwhile, ha

In 2024, baby and child-specific products in Slovakia saw sales continue to rise. This outcome was influenced by a significant deceleration in inflation, which stabilised unit prices. However, despite improving economic conditions, Slovak consumers continued to exercise price sensitivity and actively sought promotional offers when shopping for baby and child-specific products. Concurrently, the consistently falling birth rate in Slovakia further limits the potential consumer base.

Growth in men’s grooming in Slovakia in 2024 was underpinned by an increasing awareness of the distinctions in the skin and hair care needs of men versus women. This trend has prompted brands to swiftly respond by launching targeted products across all toiletry categories. For instance, dm-Drogerie Markt introduced a men’s specific facial cleansing gel under the SEINZ. range, while Pilaten has designated its black head pore strips exclusively for men’s use. Although men’s shaving has demonstrate

Sun care in Slovakia continued to benefit from growing awareness of the health risks of UV radiation in 2024, which led to increased demand for sun protection throughout the year. Although the largest value growth occurred in premium sun protection, after-sun and self-tanning products also demonstrated robust rises. Slovak households frequently take advantage of favourable pricing when purchasing sunscreen cosmetics, with substantial expenditure in 2024 directed towards products acquired during

Mass beauty and personal care experienced healthy growth in Slovakia in 2024, both in terms of value and volume sales. Although the rate of growth in value sales has decelerated due to considerably lower inflationary pressures and overall price stabilisation, growth remains robust. Slovak consumers now demand premium-style quality even from mass-market products; they expect lower-priced items to boast attractive packaging, appealing fragrances and pleasant textures. While some compromises are ac

In 2024, premium beauty and personal care in Slovakia continued to post positive retail current value growth, although slightly slower than the rate observed over 2022–2023. Fragrances, colour cosmetics and skin care delivered solid performances, bolstered by strong demand that enabled a faster recovery in retail volume. Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok played a crucial role in influencing and promoting these premium products.

The population of Slovakia is predicted to decline by 6.3%, due to changes in net migration and natural change, standing at a total of 5.2 million citizens by 2040. By 2040, the largest cohort of people will be middle-aged (aged 45-64). Slovakia’s birth rate is expected to fall between 2024 and 2040. Generational cohorts in Slovakia will continue to influence consumer expenditure based on their specific purchasing habits and unique demands.

In 2024, the retail sector in Slovakia faced challenges, as a rise in price sensitivity led consumers to focus on price deals and promotions. While inflation stabilised and was notably less pronounced than in 2023, it continued to contribute to retail value sales growth. However, providing value for money became essential for success, benefitting retailers that were able to offer the lowest prices or competitive deals, alongside strong customer service. Consequently, discounters, e-commerce plat

In 2024, appliances and electronics specialists in Slovakia recorded a double-digit retail value uplift. However, in 2024, Slovak consumers reduced spending on non-essential items, which negatively impacted specialists in appliances and electronics, and dampened overall sales. Consequently, the growth in unit prices heavily contributed to the overall increase in retail value sales. This trend of frugal shopping habits, combined with negative consumer sentiment stemming from concerns about the fu

Direct selling in Slovakia experienced a challenging year in 2024, as retail value sales declined. This decline was attributed to consumers adopting more price-sensitive spending habits, with direct sellers facing intense price competition from other retail channels. While rising unit prices contributed to current value sales for direct selling, it was not due to an increase in demand. Direct sellers encountered escalating operational costs, which they needed to pass on to retail prices. However

In 2024, vending in Slovakia recorded retail value sales growth of 18%. It was a challenging year for the sector due to cautious consumer spending behaviour. Despite this, factors such as increased consumer mobility, tourism, strong employment figures and rising retail prices had a positive impact on growth within the category. A rising demand for convenience and on-the-go consumption drove sales. While hot drinks continued to be the most popular product sold through vending, other products regi