German retailers report weak Christmas season sales

Christmas sales in Germany lost momentum again last week, according to a survey from a retail industry group, reported dpa.

Nearly 60% of the more than 350 retail companies surveyed expressed dissatifaction with the latest sales trend, according to the survey by the German Retail Association (HDE).

"The second week of Advent was noticeably weaker in the retail sector than the first week of Advent. Many retailers are now pinning their hopes on the final spurt before the festive season," said HDE managing director Stefan Genth on Sunday.

The weak business is also reflected in lower visitor numbers in the city centres. Two-thirds of city centre retailers reported fewer customers than in the previous year.

The HDE is forecasting total sales of just over €120 billion for this year's Christmas business in November and December. Compared to the previous year, this corresponds to an increase in sales of 1.5%.