Volume of retail trade up by 1.6% in euro-zone

EU15 up by 2.7%

In October 2002, as compared to October 2001, the volume of retail trade increased by 1.6% in the euro-zone and by 2.7% in the EU15, Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities in Luxembourg, estimates today. Compared to September 20023, sales rose by 0.7% in both zones.

In October 2002, as compared to October 2001, retail trade of 'food, drinks and tobacco' increased by 1.9% in the euro-zone and by 2.5% in the EU15. The sales of food in specialised stores fell by 0.4% in the euro-zone and 0.8% in the EU15, while sales in non specialised stores increased by 2.9% and 3.6% respectively. The non food sector gained 1.6% in the euro-zone and 3.2% in the EU15. Among the non food sectors, 'textiles, clothing and footwear' grew by 4.7% in the euro-zone and 7.4% in the EU15, while retail sales of 'household goods' fell by 2.3% and 1.0% respectively.

Compared to October 2001, and among the Member States for which data are available, the volume of retail trade increased in all Members States except for Germany (-1.3%), Belgium (-0.4%) and Portugal (-0.3%). The highest growth rates were observed in Sweden (8.4%), Denmark (6.8%) and the United Kingdom (6.3%).

Compared to September 2002, 'food, drinks and tobacco' increased by 1.2% in the euro-zone and by 1.1% in the EU15. The 'non food' aggregate gained 0.3% and 0.4% respectively. Among the non food sectors, 'textiles, clothing and footwear' registered a growth of 1.9% in the euro-zone and 2.4% in the EU15, while the index for 'household goods' decreased by 0.4% and 0.3% respectively.

Compared to September 2002, and among the Member States for which data are available, the volume of retail sales decreased only in Ireland (-1.8%), Germany (-0.5%) and Portugal (-0.4%). The highest increases were registered in France (1.6%), Austria (1.3%) and Finland (1.2%).

(source: Eurostat)

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