Retail sales conducted through the internet are expected to reach 266 billion forints (EUR 864m) in Hungary in 2014, up 22.5 percent from last year, according to a survey.

Online retail sales amounted to 217 billion forints last year, accounting for 3.1 percent of total retail sales turnover in Hungary, excluding sales of vehicles and vehicle fuel.

Observers project further, accelerating growth for the 2014-2018 period, market researcher eNET Internetkutato es Tanacsado said on Monday.

Several new big operators have entered the market this year, and growing confidence in online trade has also contributed to the substantial increase in sales.

As part of their Black Friday offers alone, webstores generated sales of 2.3-2.7 billion forints, eNet said.

In connection with the restrictions on Sunday shop openings, expected to be introduced from March 2015, the question is whether e-traders will be able to profit from the change, the statement said.