The European Retail Handbook provides demographic and economic data in support of specific and detailed analysis of the retail trade in each country. The retail information relates to sales at national level and on a key sector basis, as well as the structure of the trade in terms of businesses, outlets and employees. Additionally, 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, details of shop opening hours and property regulations and contact points for sources of further information. The statistical information in the Handbook has been derived principally from official national or pan-European sources, while the 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. Company turnover figures exclude 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. There are instances, however, where Mintel has had to use its own estimates and projections to produce credible figures. Countries where official data is lacking or unreliable include Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and some of the East/Central European countries. Readers should also note that retail sales figures are presented up to 2009 for all countries and we have also included our forecasts for 2010 for the topline figures. All retail sales figures are stated excluding sales tax.