Retail Trade Increases in Euro-zone
May 29, 2002

In March 2002, as compared to March 2001, the volume of retail trade1 increased by 2.0% in the euro-zoneČ and by 2.6% in the EU15, Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities in Luxembourg, estimates today. Compared to February 2002, sales3 rose by 0.3% in the euro-zone and by 0.2% in the EU15.

In March 2002, as compared to March 2001, retail trade of "food, drinks and tobacco" rose by 2.6% in the euro-zone and by 2.4% in the EU15. The sales of food in specialised stores fell by 0.5% in the EU15, while sales in non specialised stores increased by 2.1% in the same area. The non food sector gained 0.1% in the euro-zone and 1.7% in the EU15. Among the non food sectors, "textiles, clothing and footwear" grew by 1.6% in the euro-zone and by 4.5% in the EU15. Retail sales of "household goods" fell by 1.9% in the euro-zone and by 0.2% in the EU15.