Women’s Coats Top Price Hikes in Istanbul for October, Toys See Sharpest Drop

The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO) has released its October 2025 retail price index, revealing striking contrasts in the city’s consumer trends. According to the report, while women’s coats experienced the steepest price increase among 336 key items, toys saw the most significant decline compared to the previous month.

Majority of Items Recorded Price Increases

Out of the 336 products tracked by İTO, 227 items became more expensive in October, while only 23 products saw price reductions. The data underscores that despite slight easing in national inflation indicators, consumer goods in Istanbul continue to experience strong price movements, particularly in apparel categories.

The most notable surge came from women’s outerwear, with the price of women’s coats soaring by 54.39% compared to September. This was followed by a 51.05% rise in men’s jackets, 47.64% in men’s boots, 46.48% in women’s boots, 40.80% in men’s sweaters, 40.02% in women’s jackets, and 38.36% in women’s sweaters.

These steep increases highlight the seasonal impact of colder weather, as demand for winter clothing surged ahead of November. Retail experts note that rising import costs and production expenses also contributed to the upward trend.

Vegetables and Nuts Among Other Price Climbers

Outside of clothing, several food products recorded significant price increases. Cucumbers rose by 31.29%, while children’s jackets climbed 30.40%, hazelnuts increased 23.03%, charleston peppers gained 21.30%, and men’s shoes advanced 19.70%.

Other notable hikes included women’s shoes (19.37%), stuffing peppers (19.20%), fish (19.08%), and hot peppers (18.15%). Analysts attribute the jumps in food and clothing prices to both supply constraints and rising energy costs, which continue to affect logistics and storage.

Toys Lead Price Declines in October

On the opposite end of the spectrum, toys became the month’s most affordable product group, with prices dropping 15.95% compared to September. The toy category was followed by wine (-14.38%), fresh beans (-13.55%), mandarins (-12.81%), lettuce (-10.40%), and intercity bus tickets (-7.05%).

The report also listed further declines in spinach (-6.46%), paper tableware (-4.41%), carrots (-3.82%), lemons (-3.72%), parsley (-3.23%), arugula (-2.86%), plums (-1.75%), and toilet paper (-1.69%).

Experts interpret these drops as seasonal corrections, particularly in fresh produce categories, where supply has increased due to favorable harvest conditions. Similarly, promotional campaigns in non-essential categories like toys and household goods helped drive temporary price relief.

A Mixed Picture of Istanbul’s Retail Market

While the overall inflation picture shows moderation on an annual basis, Istanbul’s October retail figures paint a mixed economic picture. Seasonal clothing remains a key driver of urban inflation, while specific household and food items provide limited relief.

Economists note that consumer sentiment in Turkey’s largest city remains fragile, with households adjusting spending patterns in response to fluctuating prices. “We are witnessing a typical seasonal spike, especially in apparel, combined with a cautious pullback in discretionary spending,” one analyst commented.

The surge in coat and boot prices suggests that winter apparel inflation may continue into November, especially if cold weather intensifies and retailers capitalize on demand.

Broader Inflationary Context

The latest İTO data arrives just as national institutions, including the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) and the Inflation Research Group (ENAG), reported moderate declines in annual inflation rates. Yet, price pressures in major cities like Istanbul highlight the ongoing cost-of-living challenges many households face despite slower headline inflation.

Analysts say October’s figures underscore the disparity between overall inflation trends and real-life consumer experiences. For many families, everyday essentials — particularly food and clothing — continue to rise faster than average inflation data suggests.

As the year-end shopping season approaches, both retailers and consumers in Istanbul are preparing for a dynamic market environment where promotional pricing, stock shortages, and fluctuating demand will likely continue to shape the city’s retail landscape.