In December 2012 compared with November 2012, the volume of retail trade fell by 0.8% in the euro area (EA17) and by 0.6% in the EU27, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In November retail trade decreased by 0.1% in the euro area and remained stable in the EU27.

In December 2012, compared with December 2011, the retail sales index dropped by 3.4% in the euro area and by 2.0% in the EU27.

The average volume of retail trade index for 2012, compared with 2011, fell by 1.7% in the euro area and by 0.6% in the EU27.

Monthly comparison

In December 2012, compared with November 2012, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 0.8% in the euro area and by 0.6% in the EU27. The non-food sector declined by 1.0% and 0.7% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in twelve, rose in eight and remained stable in Finland. The largest decreases were observed in Romania (-3.2%), Spain (-2.2%) and Slovenia (-2.1%), and the highest increases in Luxembourg and Poland (both +2.2%) and Estonia (+1.9%).

Annual comparison

In December 2012, compared with December 2011, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 2.1% in the euro area and by 1.8% in the EU27. The non-food sector dropped by 4.2% and 1.7% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in twelve and rose in nine. The largest decreases were observed in Spain (-12.3%), Portugal (-8.6%) and Slovenia (-7.5%), and the highest increases in Latvia (+12.5%), Estonia (+7.2%) and Lithuania (+2.7%).