Poland's retail sales increased at a slower pace in June, contrary to economists' forecast for a faster growth, data released by the statistical office showed Thursday.

Retail sales increased 6.4 percent on an annual basis in June, after growing 7.7 percent in May. The latest growth rate was slower than 9 percent economists had forecast.

Sales of automobiles advanced 1 percent annually during the month, while sales of fuel products rose 7.7 percent. There was a 7.6 percent year-on-year rise in sales of food, beverages and tobacco, and a 0.9 percent increase in clothing and footwear sales, data showed.

Month-on-month, retail sales edged up 0.2 percent in June, slower than the previous month's 0.9 percent gain.

Separately, the agency said Poland's unemployment rate decreased to 12.4 percent in June from 12.6 percent in May. Economists had forecast a faster decline to 12.2 percent. In June 2011, the jobless Rate was 11.9 percent.

rttnews.com