According to the report from Eurostat, in March 2020, the COVID-19 containment measures widely introduced by Member States had a significant impact on retail trade, as the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade decreased by 11.2% in the euro area and by 10.4% in the EU, compared with February 2020. Economists had expected a 10.5% decrease in the euro area. In February 2020, the retail trade volume increased by 0.6% in the euro area and by 0.5% in the EU.

In March 2020 compared with March 2019, the calendar adjusted retail sales index decreased by 9.2% in the euro area and by 8.2% in the EU. Economists had expected a 8.0% decrease in the euro area.

In the euro area in March 2020, compared with February 2020, the volume of retail trade decreased by 23.1% for non-food products and by 20.8% for automotive fuels, while food, drinks and tobacco increased by 5.0%. In the EU, the volume of retail trade decreased by 21.3% for non-food products and by 19.3% for automotive fuels, while food, drinks and tobacco increased by 4.7%.

In the euro area in March 2020, compared with March 2019, the volume of retail trade decreased by 21.7% for non-food products and by 21.3% for automotive fuels, while food, drinks and tobacco increased by 8.3%. In the EU, the volume of retail trade decreased by 20.1% for automotive fuels and by 19.5% for non-food products, while food, drinks and tobacco increased by 8.1%.