Key facts
- Germany's retail sales decreased by 0.3% in April.
- Economists had forecast a 0.5% decrease for April.
- The March retail sales figure was revised to a 2.0% decrease.
- Sales at petrol stations fell over 10% annually and 4.0% in real terms month-over-month.
- Food sector retail sales increased by 3.2% month-over-month.
- Non-food retail trade decreased by 2.2% in real terms month-over-month.
Retail sales figures are a key indicator of consumer spending and economic health. The resilience shown in German retail sales, despite a decline, could influence the European Central Bank's monetary policy decisions, especially in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions impacting supply chains and input costs.