According to estimates from Eurostat, in February 2019 compared with January 2019, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade increased by 0.4% in both the euro area (EA19) and EU28. Economists had expected a 0.2% increase in the euro area. In January, the retail trade volume increased by 0.9% in the euro area and by 1.0% in the EU28. In February 2019 compared with February 2018 the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 2.8% in the euro area and by 3.3% in the EU28.

In the euro area in February 2019, compared with January 2019, the volume of retail trade increased by 0.9% for non-food products and by 0.1% for food, drinks and tobacco, while automotive fuel decreased by 0.7%. In the EU28, the retail trade volume increased by 1.0% for non food products, while food, drinks and tobacco decreased by 0.1% and automotive fuel by 0.2%.