In October 2012 compared with September 2012, the volume of retail trade fell by 1.2% in the euro area (EA17) and by 1.1% in the EU27, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In September retail trade decreased by 0.6% and 0.2% respectively. In October 20124, compared with October 2011, the retail sales index fell by 3.6% in the euro area and by 2.4% in the EU27.

Monthly comparison

In October 2012, compared with September 2012, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 0.8% in both zones. The non-food sector declined by 1.4% in the euro area and by 1.3% in the EU27.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in sixteen and rose in five. The largest decreases were observed in Portugal (-4.5%), Finland (-3.0%) and Germany (-2.8%), and the highest increases in Ireland (+1.9%), Lithuania (+0.8%) and Belgium (+0.7%).

Annual comparison

In October 2012, compared with October 2011, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 2.9% in the euro area and by 2.3% in the EU27. The non-food sector decreased by 3.5% and 1.6% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in eleven, rose in nine and remained stable in Romania. The largest decreases were observed in Spain (-11.5%), Portugal and Slovenia (both -6.7%) and Poland (-4.4%), and the highest increases in Latvia (+9.2%), Luxembourg (+7.0%) and Estonia (+6.4%).