Up by 0.1% in EU28

In October 2018 compared with September 2018, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade increased by 0.3% in the euro area (EA19) and by 0.1% in the EU28, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In September, the retail trade volume decreased by 0.5% in the euro area and by 0.3% in the EU28.

In October 2018 compared with October 2017, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 1.7% in the euro area and by 2.1% in the EU28.

Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State

In the euro area in October 2018, compared with September 2018, the volume of retail trade increased by 1.0% for automotive fuel and by 0.6% for food, drinks and tobacco, while non-food products decreased by 0.1%. In the EU28, the retail trade volume increased by 0.8% for automotive fuel and by 0.5% for foods, drinks and tobacco, while non-food products fell by 0.3%.

Among Member States for which data are available, the largest increases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Slovenia (+7.9%), Portugal (+2.3%) and Austria (+1.6%). The highest decreases were observed in Finland (-2.0%), Denmark and Sweden (both -1.2%).

Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State

In the euro area in October 2018, compared with October 2017, the volume of retail trade increased by 2.3% for food, drinks and tobacco, by 1.7% for non-food products, and by 1.5% for automotive fuels. In the EU28, the retail trade volume increased by 2.4% for non-food products, by 2.3% for automotive fuel and by 1.9% for food, drinks and tobacco.

Among Member States for which data are available, the highest yearly increases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Slovenia (+13.3%), Ireland (+8.4%) and Lithuania (+7.3%). Decreases were observed in Malta (‑2.3%), Finland (-1.0%) and Luxembourg (-0.3%).

Source: Eurostat