German Retail Sales Fall 2% in September, Missing Forecasts

German retail sales fell sharply in September 2026, with seasonally adjusted sales down 2.0% from August, contrary to forecasts for an increase. Compared with a year earlier, sales declined 2.3% in real terms even as nominal sales rose 1.2%, reflecting the effect of prices. Food, non-food and fuel-station sales all fell month to month, while August’s reported gains were revised slightly lower. The figures point to renewed weakness in German consumer spending.