The retail sector grew by 0.2% at the monthly level in the EU and by 0.1% in the eurozone, but contracted by 0.3% and 1.3%, respectively, compared to July 2012, the European statistical office reported.

The biggest monthly increase in the volume of retail sales was recorded in Latvia and Romania (+2.1% each), whereas the biggest contraction was registered in Slovenia (-3.4%), followed by Germany (-1.4%).

The strongest annual growth was recorded in Luxembourg (+17.7%), while Slovenia (-6.4%) and Spain (-5.5%) saw the most substantial contraction.