This is the 23nd edition of the European Retail Handbook. It provides basic data about all the major European countries, their economies and their retail sectors. The handbook complements Mintel’s major sector reviews, such as DIY, Supermarkets and Clothing, adding more detail and information about smaller economies.

We aim to have comprehensive coverage for the leading economies. The main problem is where to draw the line. The smallest country to be covered is actually a Grand Duchy (of Luxembourg), though that is hardly a typical state as it has such a large proportion of expatriates and they distort many of the figures. That is why Luxembourg comes out top of lists related to affluence. We include Russia and many of the former soviet states.

There are some very small countries, such as Malta and Cyprus, that are excluded. Nor do we cover Bosnia, Kosovo or Montenegro. But quite what constitutes Europe is a little vague. At the moment we cover Ukraine, but not Georgia and we do not venture as far as the “Stans”. The definition is purely geographic. Even if/when the UK leaves the EU it will still be in Europe.

As with all previous editions we provide the essential background information to understanding the retail scene in each European country.

The European Retail Handbook provides top line demographic and economic data and a more detailed analysis of retail trade in each country. Where possible, retail information is given both on a national and sector basis. Major retailers and retail groupings are identified with an indication of their size and relative importance. Other useful information includes synopses of the retail scene in each country and contact points for sources of further information.

The statistical information in the Handbook comes principally from official national or pan-European sources. We are therefore constrained by what is published, though we do estimate current data where it is absent. Company data has been obtained either directly from the organisations concerned or through trade press reports and duly acknowledged research bodies. Both have been reinforced by Mintel estimates and projections where necessary and we have made every effort to point out anomalies and differences in methodologies and definitions across the various countries.

Retail sales data and company turnover figures are stated excluding sales tax in order to make the data more comparable. In the majority of cases the presentation of the retail sales figures is straightforward, as the official data is detailed and reliable. However, there are instances, where Mintel has had to use its own estimates and projections to produce credible figures. Retail sales figures are presented up to 2018 for all countries, and in most cases we also include our forecasts for 2019.

Consumer spending data is quoted including VAT.

In a handbook of this nature, the amount of explanatory detail that can be included with any set of statistics is limited. More in-depth information can be found in Mintel’s series of reports on European Supermarket, Clothing, Electricals, DIY, and Beauty and Personal Care retailers, as well as Online Retailing.

Mintel also offers a wide range of financial performance data-driven products, such as The UK Retail Rankings, The European Retail Rankings and the “Retail Interactive” database of European retailer data.

All Mintel's publications can be purchased via www.mintel.com, or the Information Hotline on +44 (0) 20 7606 6000. Mintel is always looking for ways of improving and developing its product range. Any readers with suggestions for changes or additions to next year’s Handbook should contact Neil Mason, Head of European Research, on +44 (0) 20 7606 4533. For specific enquiries not covered by our existing portfolio we offer a customised research and consultancy service.

Finally, there are a number of common abbreviations used throughout this handbook. The main ones are e (Mintel estimate); f (Mintel forecast); p (Provisional data); na (Data not available or not applicable); and JV (joint venture).