German Retail Sales Jump in March as Isolation Eases

Data on Monday showed that German retail sales in March recorded the largest year-on-year increase since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with some isolation measures eased, raising purchases of clothing and shoes.

The Federal Statistical Office said that retail sales jumped 11% compared with the same period a year ago, with prices flat after a 6.6% drop in February after an upward revision.

The March reading is higher than Reuters forecast for a 0.3% decline.

Sales of textiles, clothing, shoes and leather goods increased by 27.7% compared to the same month last year, while retail trade in store-bought goods increased 23%.

Online retailers continued to benefit from changing consumer habits, with sales up 42.9% from a year ago.