In June 2002, as compared to June 2001, the volume of retail trade in the euro-zone decreased by 0.9 per cent but increased by 0.4 per cent in the EU fifteen member state zone (EU15), estimated Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Communities in Luxembourg, this week.
In June 2002, in relation to June 2001, retail trade of food, drinks and tobacco decreased by 1.8 per cent in the euro-zone and by 0.8 per cent in the EU15. According to the figures, sales of food in specialised stores fell by 1.7 per cent in the EU15, while sales in non specialised stores increased by 0.5 per cent.
The non food sector decreased by 0.7 per cent in the euro-zone but gained 0.8 per cent in the EU15. Among the non food sectors, 'textiles, clothing and footwear' grew by 0.2 per cent in the euro-zone and by 3.3 per cent in the EU15. Retail sales of 'household goods' fell by 2.8 per cent and 1.7 per cent respectively.
The Eurostat findings reveal that compared to May 2002, the volume of retail sales decreased in Germany (-1.8 per cent), Spain (-0.4 per cent), Sweden (-0.2 per cent) and Denmark (-0.1 per cent). The index remained stable in Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom while positive month on month growth rates were registered in Portugal (3.2 per cent), Ireland (2.4 per cent), Austria (2.2 per cent), Finland (1.2 per cent) and Belgium (0.9 per cent).
Countries in the Euro-zone are: Belgium, Germany, Greece (since January 2001), Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Finland.