Luxembourg, 07/06/2004 (Agence Europe) - According to an initial estimate published by Eurostat on Friday, the volume of retail sales increased by 1.0% in the euro zone and by 2.2% in the European Union (EU25) in April 2004, compared to April 2003. Retail sales of food (including drinks and tobacco) increased 0.8% in the euro zone and 1.1% in the EU25. The non-food sector increased by 0.9% and 2.9% respectively. Sales rose in the United Kingdom (+5.7%), Spain (+4.3%), Sweden (+3.5%), France (+2.7%) and Portugal (+2.4%). The only drop was registered in Germany (-0.7%).
In monthly terms (April 2004/March 2004), the sales index increased by 1.3% in the euro zone and by 0.7% in the EU25. Retail sales in the food sector increased by 1.1% in the euro zone and by 0.8% in the EU25. The non-food sector developed by 0.9% and 0.6% respectively. Sales grew in Spain (+1.1%), German (+0.9%), and France and the United Kingdom (+0.2% each). The only falls were noted in Portugal (-1.4%) and Sweden (-0.3%).