Retailing: restrained ordering plans

In retailing the business climate indicator rose again. Whereas the outlook for the coming six months brightened noticeably, the current business situation was judged more unfavourably than in May. Due to still high inventory pressure, most firms plan to exercise caution in their ordering. Fewer firms than in May were forced to make price concession, and some businesses even see some scope for price increases in the coming months. Staff levels are expected to decline slightly.