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Greek Retailer Jumbo Group Sustains Growth Amid Global Uncertainty

Greek retailer Jumbo Group has demonstrated remarkable resilience, posting a 6% year-on-year sales increase in November 2025 despite operating against a strong performance benchmark from the previous year.

Robust Performance In High-Pressure Months

The company’s performance over the January–November period, with growth climbing close to 8%, confirms that Jumbo’s momentum remains strong as it approaches the sector’s critical final weeks. Historically, November and December are peak months for retail, where full capacity and daily turnover are key determinants of annual performance.

Expanding Global Footprint Through Strategic Franchise Partnerships

Jumbo Group has reinforced its international presence by deepening ties with local franchise partners. The November inauguration of its fourth store in Israel underscores the confidence in the brand, while plans announced by the Fox Group—the franchise rights holder for Israel and Canada—include adding another five to six stores in Israel during 2026 and launching three stores in Ontario next year, contingent on favorable market conditions.

Navigating Supply Chain Challenges Amid Unrest

Amid ongoing farmers’ protests, concerns have emerged over potential disruptions to supply chains, particularly delays at customs, road networks, and ports. Such challenges could adversely affect domestic replenishments and export flows, impacting overall economic activity. In response, the group has urged the state to maintain stability and ensure the smooth operation of the country during this precarious period.

Regional Growth Performance

Performance by market continues to be robust. In Greece, net sales—excluding intragroup transactions—rose by approximately 6% in November, with an annual growth of around 9% over the first eleven months. In Cyprus, November figures advanced by about 3%, reaching roughly 8% year-to-date. Bulgaria, which capitalized on online sales through e-jumbo.bg, saw an 8% increase in November, though the year-to-date growth remains at 4%. Romania, incorporating online activity, noted a 6% rise in November, with an overall annual increase nearing 5%.

Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

Record-Breaking Performance In Tourism

Cyprus’ tourism sector achieved unprecedented success in 2025 with record-breaking arrivals and revenues. According to Eurobank analyst Konstantinos Vrachimis, the island’s performance was underpinned by solid real income growth and enhanced market diversification.

Robust Growth In Arrivals And Revenues

Total tourist arrivals reached 4.5 million in 2025, rising 12.2% from 4 million in 2024, with momentum sustained through the final quarter. Tourism receipts for the January–November period climbed to €3.6 billion, marking a 15.3% year-on-year increase that exceeded inflation. The improvement was not driven by volume alone. Average expenditure per visitor increased by 4.6%, while daily spending rose by 9.2%, indicating stronger purchasing power and higher-value tourism activity.

Economic Impact And Diversification Of Source Markets

The stronger performance translated into tangible gains for the broader services economy, lifting real tourism-related income and overall sector turnover. Demand patterns are also shifting. While the United Kingdom remains Cyprus’ largest source market, its relative share has moderated as arrivals from Israel, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland have expanded. This gradual diversification reduces dependency on a single market and strengthens resilience against external shocks.

Enhanced Air Connectivity And Seasonal Dynamics

Air connectivity has improved markedly in 2025, with flight volumes expanding substantially compared to 2019. This expansion is driven by increased airline capacity, enhanced route coverage, and more frequent flights, supporting demand during shoulder seasons and reducing overreliance on peak-month flows. Seasonal patterns remain prominent, with arrivals building through the spring and peaking in summer, thereby bolstering employment, fiscal receipts, and corporate earnings across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

Structural Risks And Future Considerations

Despite strong headline figures, structural challenges remain. The European Commission’s EU Tourism Dashboard highlights tourism intensity, seasonality, and market concentration as key risk indicators. Cyprus records a high ratio of overnight stays relative to its resident population, signalling potential overtourism pressures. Continued reliance on a limited group of origin markets also exposes the sector to geopolitical uncertainty and sudden demand swings. Seasonal peaks place additional strain on infrastructure, housing availability, labour supply, and natural resources, particularly water.

Strategic Investment And Market Resilience

Vrachimis concludes that sustained growth will depend on targeted investment, product upgrading, and continued market diversification. Strengthening year-round offerings, improving infrastructure capacity, and promoting higher-value experiences can help balance demand while preserving long-term competitiveness. These measures are essential not only to manage overtourism risks but also to ensure tourism remains a stable pillar of Cyprus’ economic development.

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