In August this year turnover in the German retail sale fell by 3.0% (in real terms) and by 0.3% nominally as compared to August last year. However, there was one shopping day less in August this year than last year. As compared to July this year, turnover increased by 3.6% (nominally) and by 3.1% (really) in August after adjustments for season and calendar. These provisional figures are based on data made available by seven Federal German laender.
Comparing the first eight months in 2008 with those in 2007 turnover generated by the German retail trade increased by 2.1% in nominal terms and fell by 0.7% in real figures.
With regard to foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco goods the changes in turnover in the period from August 2007 to 2008 were +0.1% in nominal terms and -4.7% in real terms. For supermarkets, department stores and consumer markets the changes were +0.4% and -4.5% respectively while for the specialized retail trade in foodstuffs these changes were -3.4% and -7.4% respectively.
With regard to the non-foodstuff sector turnover increased +0.4% (nominally) and fell by 1.7% in real terms from August last year to August 2008. 