German retail sales declined 2.0% in real terms in September compared with August and 2.3% from a year earlier. Both food and non-food sales fell, according to preliminary figures published by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) on November 2.
Higher turnover does not mean higher sales volumes
The figures are adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects. At current prices, retail turnover fell 1.5% month on month but rose 1.2% year on year. Once price changes are removed, the annual comparison is negative.
September’s decline followed growth of 1.2% in August. Destatis revised that increase down from its earlier estimate of 1.3%.
Stores and online retailers both weaken
Real food sales fell 1.4% month on month, while non-food sales dropped 2.4%. Compared with September 2025, the declines were 1.1% and 2.8%, respectively.
Online and mail-order sales fell 2.2% from the preceding month, although they remained 4.4% higher year on year.
Source: Destatis, release of November 2, 2026. Original Polish article. English editorial translation by the CEO editorial team.
