(CN) - Retail sales in the European Union rose 0.7 percent in February, marking two months of increases following a disappointing Christmas shopping season, Eurostat reported Tuesday.
The 19-state eurozone saw purchases rise by the same percentage, the EU's statistical office said.
Sales of nonfood products and in the "food, alcohol and tobacco" sector saw the biggest gains, while purchases of automotive fuel fell.
Portugal, Croatia and Slovenia posted the biggest gains. Retailers reported drops in Malta, Latvia and Belgium, Eurostat said.
The eurozone's February figures were 1.8 percent higher than the same month in 2016. The full EU posted retail sales that were 2.2 percent higher than in February 2016.
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