According to data, published by Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities, in July 2009 as compared with June 2009, the volume of retail trade fell by 0.2% in the euro area but increased by 0.2% in the EU 27. In June 2009, retail trade remained stable in the euro area and rose by 0.3% in the EU 27. In July 2009 as compared with July 2008, the retail sales index decreased by 1.8% in the euro area and by 0.9% in the EU27.

In July 2009 as compared with June 2009, food, drinks and tobacco decreased by 0.5% in the euro area and by 0.1% in the EU 27. The non food sector remained unchanged in the euro area and increased by 0.3% in the EU 27.

Among the member states, total retail trade rose in eleven, fell in five and remained stable in Denmark. The highest increases were observed in Sweden (+2.2%), Romania (+1.8%), and Belgium (+1.4%) and the largest decreases in Estonia (-3.9%), Spain (-1.2%) and Latvia (-1.0%).

In July 2009 as compared with July 2008, food, drinks and tobacco fell by 1.8% in the euro area and by 1% in the EU 27. The non food sector declined by 1.2% in the euro area and remained unchanged in the EU 27.

Among the member states, total retail trade rose in six and fell in eleven. The highest increases were observed in Belgium (+4.8%), Sweden (+4.6%) and Poland (+4.4%), and the largest decreases in Latvia (-29.5%), Estonia (-20.0%) and Lithuania (-19.1%).

(Sourced from Eurostat Press Office)