In February 2010, compared with January 2010, the volume of retail trade decreased by 0.6% in the euro area (EA16) and remained stable in the EU27. In January retail trade fell by 0.2% and 0.4% respectively.


In February 2010, compared with February 2009, the retail sales index declined by 1.1% in the euro area and by 0.7% in the EU27.

Monthly changes

In February 2010, compared with January 2010, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 1.6% in the euro area and by 1.3% in the EU27. The non food sector rose by 0.2% and 0.6% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in thirteen and rose in seven. The largest decreases were observed in Portugal (-3.4%), Estonia (-2.3%) and Slovenia (-1.7%), and the highest increases in the United Kingdom (+2.2%), Malta (+0.9%) and France (+0.6%).

Annual changes

In February 2010, compared with February 2009, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 3.1% in the euro area and by 2.7% in the EU27. The non food sector grew by 0.7% and 2.1% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in fourteen and rose in six. The largest decreases were observed in Lithuania (-17.1%), Latvia (-13.3%) and Bulgaria (-12.4%), and the highest increases in Austria (+3.2%), Malta (+3.1%) and the United Kingdom (+2.8%).