Germany: Sales slightly down

Following a phase lasting several months when sales profits were up, retailers selling building and DIY requisites recorded a slight decline in October 2004. Figures from the Federal Bureau of Statistics reveal that the sector’s turnover was 0.3 per cent down in nominal terms and 0.8 per down cent in real terms on the same month in the previous year. However, the cumulative sales from January to October are continuing to show positive rates of growth. The result for October shows a nominal decline of 0.8 per cent, or 1.3 per cent in real terms, if hardware and coatings are added into the calculation.