Retail turnover in Germany increased by 2.7% in real terms in 2025 compared with the previous year, based on provisional data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).
Real growth reached 3.8% in the first six months but slowed to 1.7% in the second half.
Part of the early uplift was linked to a one-off factor stemming from the restructuring of a major internet and mail-order group in August 2024, which brought sales into Germany’s statistics that had not previously been captured.
Measured against 2021 - the strongest year since the series began in 1994 - real turnover in 2025 was 0.1% lower, while nominal sales were 17.3% higher.
Food retail posted a 1.1% rise in real terms and a 3.4% increase in nominal terms, whereas non-food sales advanced 3.7% in real terms and 4.1% in nominal terms.
Mail order and e-commerce recorded the fastest expansion, climbing 10.1% in real terms and 10% nominally, again reflecting the restructuring effect.
December trading benefited from Christmas demand, with turnover up 3.2% in real terms and 3.5% nominally year-on-year.
On a seasonally and calendar-adjusted basis, sales edged up 0.1% in real terms from November but slipped 0.1% nominally.
Food sales rose both year-on-year and month-on-month while non-food declined compared with November.
Online and mail-order revenues fell from a year earlier and from the previous month.
Separately, the German Retail Association (HDE) projected retail revenue growth of 2% in 2026, despite what it described as difficult conditions for consumption and the sector.
A survey of almost 600 retailers showed that 49% expect sales this year to fall below 2025 levels.
HDE said online retail should remain the main driver, with a nominal growth forecast at 4.4%, equivalent to a real rise of 3.5%.
Total retail sales are expected to reach €697.4bn ($824.32bn) in 2026, including €96.3bn from online channels.
The association also cautioned that higher labour costs could weigh on employment, noting that 77% of respondents foresee negative effects if wage pressures persist.
