- Continuing downward trends in retail expectations persist.
The retail sector's business outlook has significantly worsened. The Ifo index for this industry dropped from -19.5 points in June to -25.4 points in July. Retailers are currently viewing their present business situation more warily, and their optimism for the remainder of the year has also dropped further. "A noticeable surge in business during the current half-year is now less probable," remarks Ifo expert Patrick Höppner. For the second quarter, 54% of retailers mention insufficient demand. Bicycle sellers, clothing retailers, furniture stores, and home furnishings vendors view their current situation as particularly pressured. Electrical and electronic appliance vendors, as well as drugstores, report an unfavorable trend in their business. The food retail sector and car dealerships also express less satisfaction. Generally, the retail sector plans to decrease its staffing requirements, Höppner adds.
The retail trade industry, currently facing challenges, is experiencing a decreased optimism about the future. In light of insufficient demand, many retailers, including bicycle sellers and clothing retailers, are planning to reduce their staffing requirements.
