Retailing (east):
Prospects continue to brighten

Eastern German retailers evaluated their current business situation a little less negatively than in June. With regard to future business developments the sceptical voices held the balance only slightly; this was also expressed in the less restrictive order plans. For the next months firms in both survey areas expect to be able to raise prices, even though the scope is considered to be narrow. The share of enterprises that expect staff reductions was higher in the west (17%, on balance) than in the east (10%).