Greek retail chain Jumbo’s sales at its Cyprus stores rose by 4 per cent in both March and the first quarter of 2026, even as the group warned that prolonged instability in the Middle East and higher oil prices were beginning to weigh on consumer behaviour and market sentiment, with effects already visible on the island.

The update from the retailer comes as regional tensions continue to cloud the outlook for household spending, while management said it expects sales momentum to ease after Easter, particularly in April. 

Across the group, sales rose by 7.3 per cent in the first quarter compared with the same period last year, while March sales increased by 10 per cent year-on-year. 

In Greece, net sales of the parent company, excluding intra-group transactions, climbed by 18 per cent in March and by 11 per cent in the January-to-March period. 

Bulgaria also posted solid growth, with sales, including the e-shop, up 12 per cent in March and 11 per cent in the first quarter. 

By contrast, Romania remained under pressure, with sales, including the e-shop, down 5 per cent in March and 4 per cent in the first quarter. 

The group also said it completed the acquisition of a leased store at the Military Shopping Center in Bucharest, the first such transaction this year, as part of its strategy to secure operating stores and improve efficiency over the longer term. 

In Israel, meanwhile, Jumbo’s external partner Fox Group opened a sixth store in March, further expanding the chain’s footprint in that market. 

Jumbo said its annual financial results for 2025 will be released on April 28 before the market opens, while a conference call with investors is scheduled for April 29 at 4.30 pm.