In October 2013 compared with September 2013, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade fell by 0.2% in the euro area (EA17) and by 0.4% in the EU28, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In September retail trade decreased by 0.6% and 0.4% respectively.

In October 2013 compared with October 2012, the retail sales index fell by 0.1% in the euro area and rose by 0.5% in the EU28.

Monthly comparison

In October 2013 compared with September 2013, “Food, drinks and tobacco” increased by 0.7% in the euro area and by 0.5% in the EU28. The non-food sector decreased by 0.8% and 0.9% respectively.
Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in nine and rose in eleven. The largest decreases were registered in Spain (-1.8%), Denmark and Poland (both -1.3%), and the highest increases in Estonia (+3.1%), France and Slovenia (both +1.2%).

Annual comparison

In October 2013 compared with October 2012, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 0.1% in the euro area and remained stable in the EU28. The non-food sector fell by 0.6% in the euro area, but rose by 0.7% in the EU28.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in eight and rose in twelve. The largest decreases were observed in Belgium (-3.8%), Denmark (-2.4%) and Slovenia (-2.1%), and the highest increases in Bulgaria (+6.9%), Estonia (+6.4%) and Poland (+5.0%).