In February 2024, compared to January 2024, seasonally adjusted retail trade volume decreased by 0.5% in the euro area and by 0.4% in the EU, according to Eurostat's preliminary estimates, the statistical office of the European Union.

In January 2024, the retail trade volume remained unchanged in the euro area and increased by 0.2% in the EU.

In February 2024, compared to February 2023, the seasonally adjusted calendar sales index decreased by 0.7% in the euro area and by 0.2% in the EU.

In the euro area in February 2024, compared to January 2024, the retail trade volume:

- decreased for food, beverages, and tobacco by 0.4%,

- decreased for non-food products (excluding automotive fuel) by 0.2%,

- decreased for automotive fuel in specialized stores by 1.4%.

In the EU, the retail trade volume:

- decreased for food, beverages, and tobacco by 0.5%,

- decreased for non-food products (excluding automotive fuel) by 0.1%,

- decreased for automotive fuel in specialized stores by 0.9%.

Among the member states for which data are available, the largest monthly decreases in total retail trade volume were recorded in Germany (-1.9%), Belgium (-1.8%), and Cyprus (-1.1%). The largest increases were observed in Poland (+1.4%), Croatia (+1.2%), and Estonia (+1.0%).

In the euro area in February 2024, compared to February 2023, the retail trade volume:

- decreased for food, beverages, and tobacco by 1.4%,

- decreased for non-food products (excluding automotive fuel) by 0.1%,

- decreased for automotive fuel in specialized stores by 1.1%.

In the EU, the retail trade volume:

- decreased for food, beverages, and tobacco by 0.9%,

- increased for non-food products (excluding automotive fuel) by 0.6%,

- decreased for automotive fuel in specialized stores by 1.5%.

Among the member states for which data are available, the largest annual decreases in total retail trade volume were recorded in Belgium (-6.8%), Slovenia (-5.6%), and Finland (-3.7%). The largest increases were observed in Croatia (+9.2%), Romania (+8.7%), and Luxembourg (+6.9%). (Photo: Dreamstime)