Italy’s retail sales increased 0.1% MoM in February but were still down -1.5% YoY. The monthly increase was below expectations of an 0.2% MoM increase.

• Food sales were up 0.4% MoM, and non-food sales were unchanged over the month.
• On an annual basis, food sales were down -0.4% YoY, and non-food sales were down -2.2% YoY.
• The segments down the most were tools (-4.6% YoY), optical equipment (-4.8% YoY), and shoes & travel items (-6.2% YoY).