In September 2007, compared to August 2007, the volume of retail trade grew by 0.3% in the euro area (EA13) and by 0.4% in the EU27. In August retail trade remained stable in the euro area and increased by 0.3% in the EU27. In September 2007, compared with September 2006, the retail sales index gained 1.6% in the euro area and 3.5% in the EU27.



Monthly changes

In September 2007, compared with August 2007, “food, drinks and tobacco” rose by 0.4% in the euro area and remained unchanged in the EU27. The non food sector increased by 0.3% and 0.7% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in thirteen Member States and fell in five. The largest increases were observed in Sweden (+2.7%), Slovenia (+2.4%), Denmark and Germany (both +2.3%) and the highest decreases in Austria (-1.8%), Portugal (-1.6%), Estonia and Spain (both -0.9%).

Annual changes

In September 2007, compared to September 2006, retail trade of “food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 0.1% in the euro area but rose by 0.8% in the EU27. The non food sector increased by 2.5% and by 5.0% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in seventeen Member States and fell only in Portugal (-0.9%). The largest increases were observed in Latvia (+17.5%), Poland (+13.3%), Lithuania (+12.7%) and Sweden (+9.8%).