Statistics in Focus. Distributive trades in the European Economic Area.

Abstract

Distributive trades are a vital secto of the European economy, acting as an interface between producers and consumers. The industry accounts for around one third of the total number of enterprises within the European economy. Indeed, there are over 5 million enterprises operating within this activity in the EU. Many of these enterprises remain family-run businesses. Employment estimates from National Accounts data put EU employment within distributive trades at over 22 million persons, accounting for more than 15% of the total number of persons occupied. Value added at market prices within commerce was responsible for more than 12% of European wealth created. The differences seen in retail formats between countries may be explained due to cultural, demographic and sociological factors. The role of women in the labour force, income levels, the degree of urbanisation, car ownership levels and the supply of local produce all contribute to explain the development of consumption trends. This short report details the most recent data collected under the Council Regulation concerning structural business statistics (EC, EURATOM) No. 58/97 of 20 December 1996. The data collected cover all enterprises within the distribution business population. An extraction from the database was made during April 1999. The Regulation contains an annex that is specific to distributive trades (Annex 3) which foresees additional information on this important sector of the European economy.