In February 2014 compared with January 2014, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade rose by 0.4% in the euro area (EA18) and by 0.5% in the EU28, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In January retail trade increased by 1.0% and 0.6% respectively.

In February 2014 compared with February 2013 the retail sales index increased by 0.8% in the euro area and by 1.5% in the EU28.

Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State

The 0.4% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in February 2014, compared with January 2014, is due to rises of 0.8% for the non-food sector and of 0.3% for “Food, drinks and tobacco”, while automotive fuel fell by 0.8%. In the EU28, the 0.5% increase in retail trade is due to rises of 0.8% for the non-food sector and of 0.6% for “Food, drinks and tobacco”, while automotive fuel fell by 0.7%.

The highest increases in total retail trade were registered in Malta (+1.9%), Denmark, Romania and the United Kingdom (all +1.4%) and Germany (+1.3%), and the largest decreases in Estonia (-3.4%), Poland (-1.5%), Slovenia and Finland (both -1.4%).

Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State

The 0.8% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in February 2014, compared with February 2013, is due to rises of 2.0% for the non-food sector and of 0.8% for automotive fuel, while “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 0.4%. In the EU28, the 1.5% increase in retail trade is due to rises of 2.9% for the non-food sector, of 0.8% for automotive fuel and of 0.3% for “Food, drinks and tobacco”.

The highest increases in total retail trade were observed in Luxembourg (+12.8%), Bulgaria (+9.2%), Romania (+8.7%) and Hungary (+6.7%). Decreases were registered in Malta (-1.4%), Slovenia and Finland (both -1.0%) and Spain (-0.4%).