This was the first fall since January 2021, as sales declined for food, beverages & tobacco (-4.8% vs -4.7% in January) while sales slowed sharply for automotive fuel (22% vs 48.8%).

On the other hand, sales fall softer for non-food (-0.5% vs -1.08%).

On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, retail activity fell 10.5% in February, reversing from a 3.8% rise in the previous month.