According to estimates from Eurostat, in March 2019 compared with February 2019, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade remained unchanged in the euro area (EA19), and increased by 0.3% in the EU28. In February 2019, the retail trade volume increased by 0.5% in both the euro area and EU28. In March 2019 compared with March 2018, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 1.9% in the euro area and by 2.9% in the EU28

In the euro area in March 2019, compared with February 2019, the volume of retail trade increased by 0.6% for food, drinks and tobacco, while automotive fuel decreased by 0.6% and non-food products by 0.4%. In the EU28, the retail trade volume increased by 0.5% for food, drinks and tobacco and by 0.2% for non-food products, while automotive fuel remained stable.

In the euro area in March 2019, compared with March 2018, the volume of retail trade increased by 3.0% for nonfood products, by 1.4% for automotive fuels and by 0.7% for food, drinks and tobacco. In the EU28, the retail trade volume increased by 4.4% for non-food products, by 4.1% for automotive fuel and by 0.4% for food, drinks and tobacco.