In March 2013 compared with February 2013, the volume of retail trade fell 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 February retail trade decreased by 0.2% in the euro area, but rose by 0.1% in the EU27. In March 2013, compared with March 2012, the retail sales index dropped by 2.4% in the euro area and by 1.6% in the EU27.