Wholesaling: Increasing sales and buoyant investment dynamics

Turnover in wholesaling recovered noticeably last year, after the sharp decline of 2009. Also in the first half of 2011, turnover increased further. The company responses indicate great satisfaction with current business development. As part of the Ifo Investment Survey for the wholesale trade, firms are asked about the development of their sales, the number of employees and their investment expenditures in the current year. In light of brisk demand, the majority of German wholesalers anticipate a further increase in turnover for 2011. The companies intend to hire more staff and increase spending on buildings and equipment vis-à-vis the previous year. Furthermore, spending for both buildings and equipment are set to increase in comparison to the previous year. On the whole for 2011, a significant increase in investment is expected in wholesaling.