According to the report from Eurostat, in January 2019 compared with December 2018, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade increased by 1.3% in the euro area (EA19). Economists had expected a 1.2% increase. In the EU28 volume of retail trade increased by 1.1%. In December, the retail trade volume decreased by 1.4% in the euro area and by 1.3% in the EU28.

In January 2019 compared with January 2018, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 2.2% in the euro area and by 2.5% in the EU28.

In the euro area in January 2019, compared with December 2018, the volume of retail trade increased by 1.7% for non-food products, by 1.6% for automotive fuel and by 0.6% for food, drinks and tobacco. In the EU28, the retail trade volume increased by 1.5% for non-food products, by 1.2% for automotive fuel, and by 0.8% for foods, drinks and tobacco.

In the euro area in January 2019, compared with January 2018, the volume of retail trade increased by 4.3% for automotive fuels, by 2.2% for food, drinks and tobacco and by 1.7% for non-food products. In the EU28, the retail trade volume increased by 4.4% for automotive fuel, by 2.4% for food, drinks and tobacco and by 2.3% for non-food products.