In November 2012 compared with October 2012, the volume of retail trade rose by 0.1% in the euro area (EA17) and by 0.2% in the EU27, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In October retail trade fell by 0.7% in both zones. In November 2012, compared with November 2011, the retail sales index dropped by 2.6% in the euro area and by 1.3% in the EU27.

Monthly comparison

In November 2012, compared with October 2012, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 0.3% in the euro area and by 0.2% in the EU27. The non-food sector remained stable in the euro area and rose by 0.2% in the EU27.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in ten and fell in eleven. The highest increases were registered in Finland (+2.2%), Romania (+1.9%) and Latvia (+1.4%), and the largest decreases in Luxembourg (-1.5%), Ireland and Portugal (both -1.3%).

Annual comparison

In November 2012, compared with November 2011, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 2.1% in the euro area and by 1.4% in the EU27. The non-food sector decreased by 3.2% and 0.9% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in eleven and rose in ten. The largest decreases were observed in Spain (-9.6%), Slovenia (-6.1%), Bulgaria and Portugal (both -5.2%), and the highest increases in Latvia (+8.7%), Belgium (+4.5%) and Estonia (+4.3%).