In February 2013 compared with January 2013, the volume of retail trade fell by 0.3% in the euro area (EA17) and remained stable in the EU27, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In January retail trade rose by 0.9% and 0.8% respectively.

In February 2013 compared with February 2012, the retail sales index dropped by 1.4% in the euro area and by 0.2% in the EU27.

Monthly comparison

In February 2013, compared with January 2013, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 0.1% in the euro area and remained stable in the EU27. The non-food sector decreased by 1.1% and 0.6% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in eleven and rose in eleven. The largest decreases were registered in Estonia (-2.6%), France (-2.2%) and Slovenia (-2.0%), and the highest increases in Luxembourg (+4.1%), Denmark and Malta (both +1.5%).

Annual comparison

In February 2013, compared with February 2012, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 1.8% in the euro area and by 1.5% in the EU27. The non-food sector dropped by 1.5% in the euro area and rose by 0.2% in the EU27.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in twelve and rose in ten. The largest decreases were observed in Spain (-9.7%), Portugal (-5.3%) and Estonia (-4.5%), and the highest increases in Luxembourg (+17.3%), Latvia (+4.8%) and the United Kingdom (+3.8%).