In December 2009, compared with November 2009, the volume of retail trade remained stable in the euro area (EA16) and fell by 0.1% in the EU27. In November retail trade decreased by 0.5% in both zones.

In December 2009, compared with December 2008, the retail sales index dropped by 1.6% in the euro area and by 1.0% in the EU27.

The average volume of retail trade index for 2009, compared with 2008, fell by 2.3% in the euro area and by 1.7% in the EU27.

Monthly changes

In December 2009, compared with November 2009, “Food, drinks and tobacco” gained 0.3% in both zones. The non food sector dropped by 0.2% in the euro area and by 0.3% in the EU27.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in twelve and fell in seven. The highest increases were observed in Austria (+1.6%), France (+1.2%), Spain, Slovenia and Slovakia (all +0.9%). The largest decreases were recorded in Romania (-5.7%), Malta (-5.6%) and Portugal (-2.8%).

Annual changes

In December 2009, compared with December 2008, “Food, drinks and tobacco” gained 0.1% in the euro area and 0.6% in the EU27. The non food sector dropped by 2.2% and 1.4% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in seven and fell in twelve. The highest increases were observed in Poland (+4.6%), Sweden (+3.1%) and Austria (+2.7%), and the largest decreases in Latvia (-30.2%), Lithuania (-27.2%) and Estonia (-16.4%).