Unemployment figures may be remaining stubbornly high - and stagnant - in several European Union (EU) member states, but at least there has been a small boost in retail trade.

In June 2005, compared to June 2004, the volume of retail trade grew by 0.9 percent in the euro-zone and by 1.7 percent in the 25- nation EU, EU statistical office Eurostat said on Wednesday.

Moreover, compared to May 2005, the retail sales index rose by 0.4 percent in the 12-nation euro-zone and by 0.5 percent in the EU.

And in June 2005, compared to June 2004, retail trade of "food, drinks and tobacco" gained 1.2 percent in the euro-zone and 1.8 percent in the EU. The non-food sector meanwhile increased by 0.4 percent and 1.4 percent respectively.

Source: Xinhua