In March 2010, compared with February 2010, the volume of retail trade remained stable in both the euro area (EA16) and the EU27. In February retail trade fell by 0.2% in the euro area, but rose by 0.3% in the EU27.

In March 20104, compared with March 2009, the retail sales index declined by 0.1% in the euro area, but grew by 0.3% in the EU27.

Monthly changes

In March 2010, compared with February 2010, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 0.2% in the euro area, but rose by 0.3% in the EU27. The non food sector decreased by 0.1% in the euro area, but increased by 0.2% in the EU27.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade grew in fifteen and declined in Portugal (-2.8%), Germany (-2.4%) and Bulgaria (-1.0%). The highest increases were observed in Denmark (+5.5%), Lithuania (+4.6%) and Romania (+3.7%).

Annual changes

In March 2010, compared with March 2009, “Food, drinks and tobacco” gained 0.9% in the euro area and 0.6% in the EU27. The non food sector remained stable in the euro area and grew by 1.4% in the EU27.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in eight and fell in ten. The highest increases were observed in Finland (+7.4%), Denmark (+4.4%) and Sweden (+2.8%), and the largest decreases in Bulgaria (-11.6%), Lithuania (-10.6%) and Latvia (-7.4%).