In April 2009, compared with March 2009, the volume of retail trade grew by 0.2% in the euro area (EA16) and by 0.5% in the EU27 . In March retail trade decreased by 0.1% in the euro area , but rose by 0.1% in the EU27. In April 2009, compared with April 2008, the retail sales index dropped by 2.3% in the euro area and by 1.4% in the EU27.

Monthly changes

In April 2009, compared with March 2009, “Food, drinks and tobacco” gained 1.1% in the euro area and 1.3% in the EU27 . The non food sector declined by 0.2% in the euro area , but rose by 0.1% in the EU27 .

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in ten, fell in six and remained stable in Denmark . The highest increases were observed in Finland (+7.6%), Sweden (+3.4%) and Slovenia (+2.5%), and the largest decreases in Romania (-1.0%), Bulgaria and Estonia (both -0.9%).

Annual changes

In April 2009, compared with April 2008, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 1.2% in the euro area and by 0.4% in the EU27 . The non food sector decreased by 2.5% and 0.9% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in six and fell in eleven. The highest increases were observed in Sweden (+3.7%), Austria (+2.6%) and the United Kingdom (+2.4%), and the largest decreases in Latvia (-29.6%), Lithuania (-19.5%) and Estonia (-18.0%).