Retailing: Current Business Situation Improves

The business climate indicator in retailing rose in September, after declining somewhat over the past three months. This was due to both better assessments of the current business situation and less pessimistic assessments of the business outlook. According to survey results, retailers reported slightly lower turnover levels than for the same period last year. Pressure due to high inventories fell somewhat, meaning that restrictive ordering activity is to be relaxed. The retailers surveyed believe that they can implement price increases in the months ahead. Slightly fewer retailers expect to recruit additional staff.