Retail sales in the European Union continued their growth trajectory in February, with Spain outpacing Germany and Italy on a year-over-year basis, though still trailing the more dynamic markets of France and Portugal. Retail trade in the European Union (EU) recorded an increase of 1.7% in February compared to the same month of the previous year, in line with the Eurozone, according to Eurostat. The data confirms the continuity of consumption growth, although with some moderation compared to previous months: in January, retail sales in the EU rose by 2.4% year-on-year, while in December 2025 they rose by 2%.

By segment, the performance of the non-food trade (where fashion is integrated) shows greater strength. Sales in this sector grew by 2.3% year-on-year in February in both the eurozone and the European Union, above the general rate.  Sales of non-food products (including fashion) grew by 2.3% year-on-year in February in the eurozone, above the general index.

Portugal remains the strongest market in Southern Europe, with a 4.7% year-on-year increase, widening the gap with both Spain and the other major economies in the region. France grew by 3.9%, followed by Spain, which increased its sales by 2.0%, clearly ahead of Germany and Italy, which continue to lag behind with minimal increases of 0.6% and 0.3%, respectively.