In February 2009, compared with January 2009, the volume of retail trade fell by 0.6% in the euro area (EA16) and by 1.2% in the EU27. In January retail trade rose by 0.1% and 0.7% respectively. In February 2009, compared with February 2008, the retail sales index decreased by 4.0% in the euro area and by 3.4% in the EU27.

Monthly changes

In February 2009, compared with January 2009, retail trade of "food, drinks and tobacco" remained unchanged in the euro area and fell by 0.9% in the EU27. The non food sector dropped by 1.1% and 1.5% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in thirteen, remained unchanged in Denmark, Finland and Sweden and rose only in Poland (+0.5%). The largest decreases were observed in Romania (-7.9%), Estonia (-5.4%) and Latvia (-4.4%).

Annual changes

In February 2009, compared with February 2008, retail trade of “food, drinks and tobacco” dropped by 3.7% in the euro area and by 2.8% in the EU27. The non food sector fell by 3.7% and 3.0% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in fifteen and rose only in Poland (+2.4%) and Belgium (+0.6%). The largest decreases were observed in Latvia (-25.3%), Estonia (-21.8%) and Lithuania (-19.0%).