Italy Retail Sales Rise 0.2% In May

(RTTNews) - Italy's retail sales increased more than expected in May after remaining flat in the previous month, the statistical office ISTAT reported Friday.

The sales value rose 0.2 percent on a monthly basis in May, following a stagnant change in April. Economists had expected an increase of 0.1 percent.

Sales of food products expanded 0.2 percent monthly in May, and those of non-food products increased the same by 0.2 percent.

Regarding non-food items, the largest increase was recorded for household appliances, radios, televisions, and tape recorders, which grew 4.9 percent.

On a yearly basis, retail sales growth improved to 2.2 percent in May from 1.7 percent in the prior month.