German Retail Sales Slide 3.4%, Defy Forecasts

Germany’s retail sales fell 3.4% month-on-month in July 2026, following an upwardly revised flat reading in the previous month and missing market expectations for a 0.4% increase. It marked the steepest decline since July 2021, with food sales dropping 0.8% and non-food sales falling 4.8%. Online and mail-order sales also contracted 5.6%, pointing to weaker e-commerce demand. On an annual basis, retail sales declined 2.5%, reversing an upwardly revised 0.6% increase in June and pointing to the fastest drop since September 2023.

Germany’s retail sales declined 0.7% month-on-month in June 2026, swinging from a marginally revised 1.1% increase in the previous month and missing market estimates for a 0.5% drop. It marked the sharpest monthly contraction since July 2025, pointing to weaker consumer spending amid persistent economic uncertainty. Food sales fell 1.3%, while non-food sales dropped 05%. In contrast, online and mail-order sales rose 0.4%, highlighting continued resilience in e-commerce demand. On an annual basis, retail sales were flat, shifting from an upwardly revised 2.1% increase in May.

Germany’s retail sales rose 1.1% month-on-month in May 2026, rebounding from a revised 0.4% decline in the previous month and defying market expectations for a 0.1% fall. It marked the biggest growth since June last year, suggesting that consumer spending regained some momentum despite ongoing economic uncertainty. The upturn was supported by broad-based gains across major categories, with food sales rising 1.1% and non-food sales increasing 1.0%. Meanwhile, online and mail-order retailing jumped 3.4%, indicating resilient demand through e-commerce. On an annual basis, retail sales advanced 1.8%, swinging from a revised 0.6% decline in April and marking the strongest annual growth in five months.