The business situation among retailers has deteriorated slightly.
In a company survey by the Ifo Institute, 38 percent of retailers complained that stores were too empty. 58 percent of hardware stores and 82 percent of furniture and furnishing stores reported customer frequency that was too low, the economic researchers announced on Monday in Munich.
In contrast, food, toy, computer and car dealers assessed their current business situation relatively well. In addition, expectations for the coming months have improved slightly. Noticeable income increases for many consumers are likely to strengthen purchasing power, “retailers should also benefit from this,” said FFO expert Patrick Höppner. (dpa)