The protest, initiated by consumer groups, was aimed at putting pressure on retailers who they blame for rising inflation.
The call for a boycott was widely circulated on social media at the start of the week and urged Croats "not to buy anything".
As of 11:00 am (local time), shops had issued 40% fewer receipts compared to the same period last Friday (17 January), the country's tax administration said.
Total turnover was 47% lower compared to last week, it added.
"Retailers will not be financially disadvantaged, but this is an important symbolic message that price gouging must stop," Danko Horvat, a Zagreb bartender, told
Consumer groups said they were pleased with the reaction.
The boycott shocked retailers, said Josip Kelemen of the consumer advocacy group Halo, inspektore, which called for the protest.
"People feel cheated. Even wealthy people supported us, they feel the same way," Kelemen said.
The boycott was also supported by opposition parties, trade unions, some local celebrities and two ministers.
Local media report and publish on social networks reports of empty shops and grocery chains across Croatia.
According to economic experts, inflation in Croatia is mainly due to a bloated public sector, one of the highest value added tax (VAT) rates in the EU, and an ageing and declining population.
In December, the country's annual inflation rate of 4.5% was the highest in the euro area, where the average inflation rate is just 2.4%.
The average net salary in Croatia was €1,366 in November, official data show.
Consumer groups have repeatedly complained that prices have risen steadily since Croatia adopted the euro as its currency in January 2023 | BGNES
