In September 2013 compared with August 2013, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade fell by 0.6% in the euro area (EA17) and by 0.3% in the EU28, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In August retail trade increased by 0.5% and 0.2% respectively. In September 2013 compared with September 2012, the retail sales index rose by 0.3% in the euro area and by 0.8% in the EU28.

Monthly comparison

In September 2013 compared with August 2013, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 0.6% in the euro area and by 0.5% in the EU28. The non-food sector decreased by 0.1% in the euro area, but rose by 0.3% in the EU28.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in thirteen, rose in seven and remained stable in France and Latvia. The largest decreases were registered in Portugal (-6.2%), Slovenia (-4.0%) and Spain (-2.5%), and the highest increases in Luxembourg (+3.1%) and Poland (+1.6%).

Annual comparison

In September 2013 compared with September 2012, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 1.1% in the euro area and by 0.9% in the EU28. The non-food sector rose by 1.1% and 2.3% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in fifteen and fell in seven. The highest increases were observed in Luxembourg (+19.9%), Poland (+6.5%) and Bulgaria (+6.2%), and the largest decreases in Slovenia (-6.0%), Belgium (-2.8%) and Portugal (-2.2%).