1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
Live TV
Latest audioLatest videos
In focus
Russia's war in UkraineIsrael-Hamas warIndia elections

Retail sales

October 1, 2009

German retail sales figures dipped an unexpected 1.5 percent for the month of August, surprising analysts who had forecast a slight increase, following a rise of 0.7 percent in July.

https://p.dw.com/p/JvGj
Shopper at a clothing store
The drop in sales came as a surpriseImage: PA/dpa

Preliminary data released by the Federal Statistics Office in Wiesbaden on Thursday showed that August 2009 retail sales were down 2.6 percent over the same period a year ago.

The figures are based on data collated from seven German states, representing roughly 76 percent of all German retail sales for that period.

Separated by sector, the retail food industry was down 1.0 percent over August of last year, while non-foods overall slipped 3.5 percent. However, here, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies actually expanded 2.5 percent.

The steepest declines hit the Internet and mail-order sectors with a precipitous drop in sales of 8.3 percent. Jewelry and books slipped 4.8 percent, while department store sales were down 4.0 percent, the same as textiles, clothing and shoes.

For the period January through August 2009, German retail sales were down 2.0 percent on the year.

gb/dpa/AFP/Reuters
Editor: Nancy Isenson

Skip next section Explore more

Explore more

Job seekers at an unemployment center

German unemployment posts surprise fall for second month

German unemployment posts surprise fall for second month

Unemployment fell for a second month in a row, surprising economists who expected the rate to rise as Germany recovers from its worst recession in over 60 years. But officials warn joblessness could rise again soon. (30.09.2009)
September 30, 2009
A view of containers at the port in Hamburg, Germany

Germany reports steep export slump in first half of 2009

Germany reports steep export slump in first half of 2009

German exports were 23.5 percent lower during the first half of this year than during the same period in 2008. While losses were observed across the board, exports to the United States and Russia fell most sharply. (22.09.2009)
September 22, 2009
A construction worker with the German flag in the background

New coalition's ambitious tax cuts unlikely before 2011, experts say

New coalition's ambitious tax cuts unlikely before 2011, experts say

Germany’s new coalition government swept to victory in Sunday’s general election on the back of bold promises to cut taxes. But economists are skeptical that will happen soon due to a bulging budget deficit. (28.09.2009)
September 28, 2009