FX.co ★ German Retail Slump Eases in April, But Sales Still Down Year-on-Year

Germany’s retail sector showed tentative signs of stabilization in April 2026, as the year-on-year decline in sales moderated compared with the previous month. According to the latest data updated on 1 June 2026, retail sales fell 0.3% in April compared with the same month a year earlier, an improvement from March’s sharper 2.0% annual drop.

The figures, measured on a year-over-year basis, indicate that while consumer spending remains under pressure, the pace of contraction has slowed. The “previous” reading reflects the change in March 2026 versus March 2025, while the “actual” April figure compares April 2026 with April 2025. The reduced decline may suggest that the worst of the retail downturn could be easing, but sales have yet to return to positive territory.