December 2025 started with increased sales for retailers, but many traders remain cautious about whether the pre-New Year activity can offset the impact of political fluctuations earlier in the year.
Levan Karalashvili, director of Tbilisi Central, told BM.GE that the year began with a decline in sales due to political instability, and while pre-holiday discounts boosted activity, growth is expected to be limited. “It will be a great achievement if we close the fourth quarter by matching or approaching last year’s figures. We do not expect any breakthrough,” he said.
Karalashvili noted that the trade sector relies heavily on December for revenue, particularly during events like Black Friday, which many brands extended through the end of the month. “In our field, household appliances and retail saw some stimulus from the discounts, but I doubt we can repeat last year’s performance,” he explained.
He added that the sector is likely to tighten its belts in 2026 rather than anticipate major growth, given the uncertainties and the pressure to recover from earlier disruptions.
