German DIY trade slightly negative in the first half of the year, according to Destatis

In its half-yearly assessment of retail sales of metal goods, paints and varnishes, building materials and DIY supplies, the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) came to a similar conclusion as the GfK Total Store Report published by the BHB. The statisticians calculated a decline in sales for this sector of 0.6 per cent in both nominal and real terms compared with the same period last year.

According to Destatis, turnover in the DIY store sector was up by 0.8 per cent in nominal terms and 0.5 per cent in real terms in the second quarter compared with the same period last year. The fact that the quarter and the first half of the year ended on a positive note was solely due to the increase in turnover in April and May. All other months showed declines, most recently June with a drop of 1.6 per cent in nominal terms and 2.1 per cent in real terms.