According to estimates from Eurostat, in February 2021, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade rose by 3.0% in the euro area and by 2.9% in the EU, compared with January 2021. Economists had expected a 1.5% increase. In January 2021, the retail trade volume fell by 5.2% in the euro area and by 4.6% in the EU.

In February 2021 compared with February 2020, the calendar adjusted volume of retail trade decreased by 2.9% in the euro area and by 2.2% in the EU. Economists had expected a 5.4% decrease.

In the euro area in February 2021, compared with January 2021, the volume of retail trade increased by 6.8% for non-food products and by 3.7% for automotive fuels, while it decreased by 1.1% for food, drinks and tobacco. In the EU the volume of retail trade increased by 6.2% for non-food products and by 2.4% for automotive fuels, while it decreased by 0.8% for food, drinks and tobacco.

In the euro area in February 2021, compared with February 2020, the volume of retail trade decreased by 13.0% for automotive fuels and by 5.5% for non-food products (within this category mail orders and internet increased by 37.3%), while it increased by 1.9% for food, drinks and tobacco. In the EU, the volume of retail trade decreased by 11.9% for automotive fuels and by 4.0% for non-food products (mail orders and internet increased by 37.9%), while it increased by 1.8% for food, drinks and tobacco.