2026.04.0809:00:00UTC+00Euro Zone Retail Sales Slip Further in February, Extending Consumer Weakness

Euro zone retail sales fell deeper into negative territory in February 2026, underscoring ongoing pressure on consumer demand across the currency bloc. Month-over-month, sales declined by 0.2%, following a 0.1% drop in January, according to data updated on 8 April 2026.

The latest reading means that, for a second consecutive month, retailers in the euro area are seeing shrinking volumes compared with the previous month. January’s 0.1% decline reflected a modest pullback versus December, and February’s 0.2% fall marks a further loss of momentum on a month-over-month basis.

With both January and February showing contraction, the data highlight a soft patch for consumption at the start of 2026. The comparison framework shows February’s figure as a change from January, while the earlier reading measured January against December, pointing to a steady weakening rather than a one-off dip in retail activity across the Euro Zone.