German Online Retail Sees Decline During Holiday Season

E-commerce sales in Germany drop by 4.2% year-over-year in October and November, with clothing sales hit hardest, as consumer caution grows.

A survey by the E-Commerce Association (bevh) reveals a 4.2% decline in online sales in Germany during October and November compared to the same period in 2023.
Clothing and footwear categories experienced the steepest drop, with an 8.2% reduction in online revenue.
Toy sales were a rare bright spot, showing a modest 2.7% increase in online revenue during the same period.
Economic uncertainty and consumer caution, influenced by factors like job cuts and political developments, are cited as reasons for reduced spending.
Overall, German e-commerce sales from January to November 2024 were 1.2% lower than in 2023, reflecting a challenging year for the sector.