Finance
German retail industry sees 2% revenue growth in 2026
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on February 2, 2026
1 min readLast updated: February 2, 2026
Quick Summary
Germany's retail sector anticipates a 2% revenue increase by 2026, according to HDE, despite geopolitical uncertainties affecting consumer sentiment.
Germany's Retail Sector Anticipates 2% Revenue Growth by 2026
Overview of Germany's Retail Revenue Growth
DUESSELDORF, Germany, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Germany's retail sector expects 2026 revenue to rise by 2%, industry association HDE said on Monday, reflecting tepid consumer sentiment in Europe's largest economy.
Current Consumer Sentiment
When adjusted for inflation, HDE forecast an increase by 0.5%.
Sales Performance in Previous Year
"The new year is starting without any real momentum for the retail sector," said HDE executive Stefan Genth, pointing to geopolitical uncertainties and what he described as an "erratic" U.S. President.
German retail sales rose by 3.8% last year or 2.7% in real terms, according to official data published on Monday.
(Reporting by Matthias Inverardi, writing by Thomas Seythal, editing by Linda Pasquini)
Key Takeaways
- •Germany's retail sector expects 2% revenue growth by 2026.
- •HDE forecasts a 0.5% increase when adjusted for inflation.
- •Geopolitical uncertainties affect consumer sentiment.
- •Retail sales rose by 3.8% last year.
- •HDE highlights challenges in the retail sector.
Frequently Asked Questions about German retail industry sees 2% revenue growth in 2026
1What is retail trade?
Retail trade refers to the sale of goods and services to consumers for personal use. It encompasses various businesses such as stores, online shops, and markets that sell products directly to the public.
2What is consumer perception?
Consumer perception is how individuals view and interpret products, brands, or services based on their experiences, beliefs, and feelings. It significantly influences purchasing decisions and brand loyalty.
3What is inflation?
Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises, eroding purchasing power. It is typically measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or Producer Price Index (PPI).
