German retail sales increased in March

In March, based on preliminary data, with calendar, seasonal and price adjustments, retail turnover increased by 1.8 percent compared to the previous month, instead of the expected 1.3 percent increase. In February, retail sales decreased by 1.9 percent on a monthly basis.

In real terms (with price adjustment), retail turnover in March was 0.3 percent higher than a year earlier. In February, the deficit was 2.7 percent on an annual basis.

With seasonal, calendar and price adjustments, the retail turnover of foodstuffs increased by 3.6 percent on a monthly basis in March, and by 4.1 percent compared to a year earlier. The non-food retail turnover in March decreased by 0.2 percent compared to the previous month, and was 1.7 percent less than a year earlier.