Germany's Retail Sales Experience a Notable Increase

In a recent report by Destatis, Germany's statistical office, it was revealed that the retail sector in Germany saw a real-term increase of 2.2% in March compared to the previous year, after adjusting for calendar and seasonal variations. This growth highlights the sector's resilience amidst fluctuating economic conditions.

Monthly and Nominal Figures Tell a Different Story

Contrasting the annual growth, the monthly turnover in retail trade experienced a slight decline of 0.2%. Furthermore, when viewed in nominal terms, the sector faced a downturn, with a 2.1% drop month-on-month and a 0.5% decrease year-on-year in March.

Food vs. Non-Food Retail Dynamics

The food retail segment showed modest growth, with a 0.3% increase month-on-month and a 0.5% rise year-on-year in real terms. On the other hand, the non-food retail trade saw a real-term decrease of 0.6% compared to February but managed a significant 3.7% growth compared to March 2024.