Luxembourg, 08/11/2001 (Agence Europe) - According to Eurostat, the volume of retail trade went up 1.8% in the euro-zone and 2.5% in the EU (EU15) in August 2001, compared to August 2000. Compared to sales in July 2001, sales in August went up 0.3% in both the euro zone and in the EU15.
Compared to August 2000, the retail trade in the food sector (including beverages and tobacco) increased by 1.7% in the euro zone and by 2.0% in the EU15, while the non-food products sector increased by 1.5% and 1.7% respectively. The textile index (including clothing and footwear) increased by 0.5% in the euro zone and by 2.7% in the EU15. There was a 1.0% rise in the euro zone for household appliances, and a 2.8% in the EU15. The volume of sales increased in all Member States except Denmark (0.0%), itazly (-1.5%), and Portugal (-3.4%). The highest rates of growth were recorded in Spain (8.0%), Ireland (5.9%) and the United Kingdom (5.5%).