Eurostat Reports Retail Trade Volume in Europe Drops Slightly in February 2026

Retail trade volume in Europe saw a slight decline in February 2026 compared to the previous month, according to preliminary data released by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. The seasonally adjusted retail trade volume dropped by 0.2% in the euro area and by 0.3% across the EU. In January 2026, retail trade volumes had remained stable in both regions.

When compared with February 2025, the calendar-adjusted retail sales index increased by 1.7% in both the euro area and the EU. The data shows that for February 2026, food, drinks, and tobacco sales volumes in the euro area fell by 0.5% from January, while non-food products (excluding automotive fuel) remained stable. Sales of automotive fuel in specialized stores rose by 0.7%. In the broader EU, food, drinks, and tobacco also declined by 0.5%, non-food products (excluding automotive fuel) decreased by 0.2%, and automotive fuel sales increased by 1%.

Among EU member states with available data, Lithuania recorded the largest monthly drop in total retail trade volume at -2.5%, followed by Poland at -2.4% and Slovenia at -2%. The highest monthly increases were seen in Malta with +2%, Bulgaria with +1%, and both Cyprus and Portugal at +0.8%.

Looking at annual changes from February 2025 to February 2026, the euro area saw a 1% increase in retail trade volume for food, drinks, and tobacco, a 2.3% rise for non-food products (excluding automotive fuel), and a 1.4% increase for automotive fuel sold in specialized stores. In the EU as a whole, food, drinks, and tobacco sales grew by 0.9%, non-food products (excluding automotive fuel) rose by 2.3%, and automotive fuel sales increased by 1.6%.

On an annual basis, Luxembourg led with an 11.9% increase in total retail trade volume, followed closely by Malta at 11.4% and Bulgaria at 7.3%. The largest declines were observed in Romania at -6.8%, Slovenia at -3.5%, and Slovakia at -2.4%. These figures reflect ongoing shifts in consumer behavior across Europe’s retail sector as economic conditions continue to evolve into early 2026.