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Cyprus Retail Sector Sees Strong 2025 Growth: Value Up 6.1%, Volume Up 7.9%

Strong Overall Performance

The retail sector reported a significant uplift in 2025, with total turnover growing by 6.1% in value and 7.9% in volume compared to 2024, according to data released by the national Statistics Agency. This surge underlines a sustained boost in consumer activity and an expanding market environment, affirming the resilience of the retail landscape.

Sector-Specific Highlights

Analyzing the data by category provides further insights into the drivers behind the growth. The specialized food, beverages and tobacco retail outlets led the value increase with a notable 14.5% rise. Concurrently, the apparel and footwear segment demonstrated exceptional performance in volume, also recording a 14.5% increase. These results reflect both heightened consumer spending and a pronounced shift in purchasing patterns during the period.

Momentum At Year End

The upward trend continued in the final month of the year. In December, the Value Turnover Index rose 5.8% year on year. The Volume Turnover Index for retail trade increased by 8.9% compared with December 2024, according to industry reports. The figures indicate that retail activity remained strong at the end of the year.

Short-Form Video Unleashed: Transforming The Living Room Experience

The Mobile Origins Of A Big-Screen Revolution

Short-form vertical videos, initially designed for smartphone viewing, are increasingly gaining traction on larger screens as viewing habits continue evolving across digital platforms. YouTube said audiences now watch more than 2 billion hours of Shorts content on televisions every month, highlighting the growing role of connected TV devices in short-form video consumption. The figures reflect a broader shift in how viewers engage with mobile-first formats beyond traditional smartphone environments.

Expanding Horizons In The Living Room

According to Kurt Wilms, television has become YouTube’s fastest-growing screen category. The company said integrated recommendations and search functions on smart TV interfaces are increasingly exposing users to Shorts content, even when viewers did not originally intend to watch short-form videos. As a result, living room viewing is becoming a larger part of YouTube’s overall content ecosystem.

Innovative Adjustments For Enhanced Engagement

To support this transition, YouTube has introduced interface changes designed specifically for larger screens. Features, including side-by-side comments and expanded layouts, aim to create a more interactive viewing experience while also improving engagement opportunities for creators. Sarah Ali said the updated viewing experience is intended to help creators expand audience reach across global markets and connected devices.

The Convergence Of Audio And Visual Media

Growth in living room consumption is also extending beyond short-form video into podcasting and long-form creator content. YouTube reported that viewers spent more than 700 million hours watching podcasts on living room devices during 2025, up from 400 million hours the previous year. At the same time, streaming platforms including Netflix are increasing investments in video podcasts and creator-led programming through partnerships with companies such as iHeartMedia, Barstool Sports and Spotify. The trend reflects a broader convergence between mobile-first content formats, streaming television and creator-driven media ecosystems.

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