Eurozone retail sales rose more than expected in October

According to the report from Eurostat, in October 2020, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade rose by 1.5% in both the euro area and the EU, compared with September 2020. Economists had expected a 0.8% increase in the euro area. In September 2020, the retail trade volume fell by 1.7% in the euro area and by 1.3% in the EU. 

In October 2020 compared with October 2019, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 4.3% in the euro area and by 4.2% in the EU. Economists had expected a 2.7% increase in the euro area. 

In the euro area in October 2020, compared with September 2020, the volume of retail trade increased by 2.0% for both non-food products and for food, drinks and tobacco, while automotive fuels fell by 3.7%. In the EU, the volume of retail trade increased by 2.0% for non-food products and by 1.9% for food, drinks and tobacco while automotive fuels fell by 3.4%.

In the euro area in October 2020, compared with October 2019, the volume of retail trade increased by 5.4% for non-food products. Within this category mail orders and internet increased by 28.5%, while textiles, clothing and footwear decreased by 14.0%. The volume of retail trade increased by 5.1% for food, drinks and tobacco, while automotive fuel decreased by 9.6%. In the EU, the retail trade volume increased by 5.7% for non-food products (mail orders and internet +29.2%, textiles, clothing and footwear -13.0%) and by 4.6% for food, drinks and tobacco, while automotive fuel decreased by 9.5%.