Britons bought more in Mai

The highest increases were observed in the United Kingdom and Lithuania, and the largest decreases were in Spain, Latvia and Estonia.

According to a Eurostat first estimate,
in May 2008, the calendar adjusted retail sales volume for the 27 member states of the European
Union increased by 2.0%, and for the eurozone countries by 0.2%
compared to the same month of the previous year.

In May 2008, sales volume for motor
vehicles and motor vehicle parts and accessories stores – not regarded as retailing by the
European Statistical System – fell by 1.3% compared to the same
month of the previous year. The retail trade turnover of automotive
fuel was lower by 0.8%, at constant prices than the corresponding
month of the previous year.