FX.co ★ Euro Zone Retail Sales Growth Accelerates to 1.6% in May, Signaling Firming Consumer Demand

Euro zone retail sales strengthened in May 2026, with year-over-year growth rising to 1.6%, up from 1.0% in April. The latest data, updated on 6 July 2026, point to a modest but improving backdrop for consumer spending across the currency bloc.

The figures reflect a comparison of May 2026 sales with May 2025, while the previous reading showed April 2026 sales against April 2025. The acceleration suggests that household demand is gaining some traction after a weaker early spring, a development that will be closely watched by policymakers and investors assessing the durability of the region’s economic momentum.