Halbjahresbilanz: Einzelhandel erzielt Umsatzplus trotz Kaufzurückhaltung

The German retail sector concluded the first half of the year with a sales increase, despite consumer reluctance to spend due to rising prices. After adjusting for price increases, revenue rose by 0.7% compared to the first six months of 2025, according to the Federal Statistics Office. Nominal figures, including price hikes, showed a 2.2% increase.

While sales grew in May, the June figures declined. Compared to May 2026, they dropped by 1.1% in real terms and 1.2% nominally. Inflation, driven by rising prices, has curtailed private consumption, which serves as a key pillar of the economic recovery. Official data showed private consumption lagged overall in recent months. Although the fuel rebate in May and June dampened price surges, inflation remained above the 2% threshold and surged to 2.8% in July.

Higher inflation rate dampened consumers' purchasing power, allowing them to afford only one euro less for each euro spent. According to a survey by the Ifo Institute, more than half of retail stores (54%) expect July demand to be insufficient. Expectations remain predominantly pessimistic, even though they improved for the third consecutive time.

Ifo expert Patrick Höppner noted the trade climate remains "worse than before the escalation of the Iran conflict at the end of February." Consequently, many retailers anticipate very cautious business prospects for the remainder of the year.