Retailing: Consumer Sentiment Weakens Slightly

After last month’s sharp rise, the business climate indicator for retailing fell in June. In view of stagnating demand, assessments of the current business situation were far less positive. Retailers also expressed greater pessimism about their business expectations. Turnover failed to reach the levels seen during the same period last year. More retailers plan to scale back their order activity than last month. The price dynamic continues to follow an upwards trend. There were only isolated reports of planned staff cutbacks.