7/6/2011 00:00:00
The volume of retail trade in April compared to March rose by 0.9% in the euro zone, and 1.1% in the EU27. This was communicated by the European statistical agency Eurostat, adding that in March, the retail trade had declined by 0.9% and 0.8% respectively in the two areas. On an annual basis in April 2011 compared to April 2010, retail sales increased by 1.1% in the 17 euro zone countries and 1.9% in the 27 of the EU. In April of 2011, compared to March, the entries "food, drinks and tobacco" increased by 0.7% in the euro area and 1.6% in the EU27. The non food sector grew by 0.8% and 1.3% respectively. Among the member countries that have provided updated data, the highest increase in retail sales was recorded in Denmark (+4.3%), Estonia (+3.3%), Portugal (+2.9%) and Luxembourg (+2.5%), while the larger reduction was reported in Malta (-2.8%), Romania (-1.8%) and Latvia (-1%). On an annual basis, compared with April 2010, the chapter "food, drinks and tobacco" increased by 1.2% in the euro area and 1.8% in the EU-27. The non food sector increased by 1.8% and 2.7% respectively.
