Retail in Germany

The local economy faced a challenging period in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of contraction, leading to low consumer confidence. As a result, retail in Germany experienced its lowest growth rate of the review period in 2024.

Euromonitor International's Retail in Germany report offers insight into key trends and developments driving the industry. The report examines all retail channels to provide sector insight. Channels include hypermarkets, supermarkets, discounters, convenience stores, mixed retailers, health and beauty retailers, clothing and footwear retailers, furniture and furnishing stores, DIY and hardware stores, durable goods retailers, leisure and personal goods retailers. There are profiles of leading retailers, with analysis of their performance and the challenges they face. There is also analysis of non-store retailing: vending; homeshopping; internet retailing; direct selling, as available.

Product coverage: Retail E-Commerce, Retail Offline.

Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data.

Why buy this report?
* Get a detailed picture of the Retail market;
* Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change;
* Understand the competitive environment, the market’s major players and leading brands;
* Use five-year forecasts to assess how the market is predicted to develop.


Retail in Germany
Euromonitor International
May 2025
List Of Contents And Tables
RETAIL IN GERMANY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Retail in 2024: The big picture
Similar growth rates for discounters and supermarkets, while interest in organic food and drinks continues to rise
Enhancing retail success through omnichannel integration
What next for retail?
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
Informal retail
Opening hours for physical retail
Summary 1 Standard Opening Hours by Channel Type 2024
Seasonality
Christmas
Summer Sales
MARKET DATA
Table 1 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2019-2024
Table 2 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 3 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 4 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 5 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 6 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 7 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 8 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 9 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 10 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 11 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 12 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 13 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 14 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 15 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 16 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 17 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 18 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 19 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 20 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 21 Retail GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 22 Retail GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 23 Retail Offline GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 24 Retail Offline GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 25 Retail Offline LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 26 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 27 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 28 Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 29 Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 30 Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 31 Non-Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 32 Non-Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 33 Non-Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 34 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2024-2029
Table 35 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 36 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 37 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 38 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 39 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029
Table 40 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 41 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 42 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 43 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 44 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 45 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 46 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 47 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029
Table 48 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 49 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 50 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 51 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 52 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 53 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029
DISCLAIMER
SOURCES
Summary 2 Research Sources
CONVENIENCE RETAILERS IN GERMANY
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Slowdown due to return to normality, while rising number of rail journeys boosts convenience stores
Shell & DEA remains largest player but Rewe Markt gains further ground
Forecourt retailers dominate but convenience stores innovate
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Challenges will force convenience retailers to adapt store format for greater differentiation
Operational shifts likely to give greater prominence to major grocery retailers
Switch to electric cars will force forecourt retailers to rethink current business model
CHANNEL DATA
Table 54 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 55 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 56 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 57 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 58 Convenience Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 59 Convenience Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 60 Convenience Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 61 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 62 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 63 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 64 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
DISCOUNTERS IN GERMANY
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Discounters continues to expand extensive private label offer to outperform grocery retailers
Competitive landscape largely unchanged in a concentrated channel
Challenges in non-grocery offer forces focus on selected categories
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Lack of expansion opportunities will encourage network optimisation and push into new types of store locations
Tentative expansion in online grocery delivery and expansion of digital services
Natural and organic food expected to play more prominent role
CHANNEL DATA
Table 65 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 66 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 67 Discounters GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 68 Discounters GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 69 Discounters LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 70 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 71 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
HYPERMARKETS IN GERMANY
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Closure of last Mein Real outlets adds to long-term challenges for hypermarkets
Kaufland’s dominance unchallenged despite gains by competitors
Competitive pricing and premium positioning boost competitiveness of Kaufland’s private label
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Channel saturation but smaller hypermarkets offer some growth opportunities
Omnichannel services to gain a competitive edge over pure-play e-commerce
Local sourcing set to become key differentiator to competing with smaller store formats
CHANNEL DATA
Table 72 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 73 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 74 Hypermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 75 Hypermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 76 Hypermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 77 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 78 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
SUPERMARKETS IN GERMANY
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Supermarkets adjust strategies by responding to price challenges from discounters
Two dominant players focus on strengthening distinct competitive advantages
Loyalty scheme competition intensifies as Payback partner changes
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Competing with discounters through premium products including organic, vegan food and local sourcing
Adapting price positioning to macroeconomic conditions could boost consumer loyalty
Two largest players set to develop e-commerce activities
CHANNEL DATA
Table 79 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 80 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 81 Supermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 82 Supermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 83 Supermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 84 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 85 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
SMALL LOCAL GROCERS IN GERMANY
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Stagnant sales as channel suffers from higher prices compared to other grocery formats
Fragmented channel dominated by independents, but several chains lead
Greater focus on unique services to retain customer base
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Decline in outlet numbers and intense price competition set to impact future growth
Reliance on nicotine and tobacco products likely to be reduced
More services and differentiated product offering may help offset main challenges
CHANNEL DATA
Table 86 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 87 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 88 Small Local Grocers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 89 Small Local Grocers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 90 Small Local Grocers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 91 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 92 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
GENERAL MERCHANDISE STORES IN GERMANY
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Variety stores continues on upwards growth trajectory
Galeria continues to lose share while main competitors make gains
Department store chain Galeria focuses on path to profitability to remain afloat
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Variety stores set to record solid performance despite slowdown in growth
No short-term relief for department stores due to significant challenges
Closer integration of e-commerce with store-based activities expected
CHANNEL DATA
Table 93 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 94 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 95 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 96 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 97 General Merchandise Stores GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 98 General Merchandise Stores GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 99 General Merchandise Stores LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 100 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 101 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 102 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 103 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
APPAREL AND FOOTWEAR SPECIALISTS IN GERMANY
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Offline stores face decline amid cost pressures and shifting consumer preferences
Zara and Takko perform well by adapting to consumer trends and economic shifts
E-commerce’s strength and the struggles of mid-market players
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Future challenges amid economic pressures and shifting consumer habits
Esprit's exit from local market set to reshape mid-market fashion
Innovation and social commerce set to influence future strategies of apparel and footwear specialists
CHANNEL DATA
Table 104 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 105 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 106 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 107 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 108 Apparel and Footwear Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 109 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 110 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS SPECIALISTS IN GERMANY
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
E-commerce growth drives decline of store sales and function shift of outlets
Media-Saturn-Holding GmbH strengthens leadership, with low number of smaller brands growing
Brand success heavily depends on in-store consumer experience
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Continual sales decline due to further growth for appliances and electronics e-commerce
Innovations in delivery will shape market dynamics
Right to Repair will increase importance of repair services in appliances and electronics specialists
CHANNEL DATA
Table 111 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 112 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 113 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 114 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 115 Appliances and Electronics Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 116 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 117 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
HEALTH AND BEAUTY SPECIALISTS IN GERMANY
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Sales of beauty specialists continue to recover in 2024
Health concerns support sales of pharmacies and optical goods stores
Wide price range benefits health and personal care stores
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Positive outlook for health and beauty specialists in Germany
Challenges in the competitive landscape of pharmacies
Differentiation and loyalty set to become increasingly important
CHANNEL DATA
Table 118 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 119 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 120 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 121 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 122 Health and Beauty Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 123 Health and Beauty Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 124 Health and Beauty Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 125 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 126 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 127 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 128 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
HOME PRODUCTS SPECIALISTS IN GERMANY
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Home improvement and gardening stores suffer from poor weather conditions
Homewares and home furnishings stores faces further challenges
Pet shops and superstores remains strongest performer overall
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Number of outlets set to further fall, but value decline will start to ease
Sustainability versus acquisition for homewares and home furnishing stores
Facilitating purchases and developing stores to remain key strategies
CHANNEL DATA
Table 129 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 130 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 131 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 132 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 133 Home Products Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 134 Home Products Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 135 Home Products Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 136 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 137 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 138 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 139 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
DIRECT SELLING IN GERMANY
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Direct selling sales approach stagnation in Germany
Major exit illustrates shift away from direct selling towards retail e-commerce
Health and beauty products remain a pillar of direct selling model in Germany
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Stagnation for direct selling as competition from retail e-commerce intensifies
Embracing the digital aspects will be crucial to survival
More consolidated competitive landscape ahead likely
CHANNEL DATA
Table 140 Direct Selling by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 141 Direct Selling by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 142 Direct Selling GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 143 Direct Selling GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 144 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 145 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029
VENDING IN GERMANY
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Tobacco vending decline undermines channel’s performance
Tobaccoland consolidates its overall lead in 2024
Broader food assortment to encompass greater variety of snacking options
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Healthier snacking options and alternative nicotine products set to become more widely available
Consumer electronics and other non-food products offer opportunities for impulse purchases
“Smarter” vending concepts may help offset competition from convenience retailers
CHANNEL DATA
Table 146 Vending by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 147 Vending by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 148 Vending GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 149 Vending GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 150 Vending Forecasts by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 151 Vending Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029
RETAIL E-COMMERCE IN GERMANY
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Retail e-commerce benefits from advanced technologies
Rising competition within retail e-commerce landscape: Exits and entrants
Convenience and price orientation remain key for retail e-commerce
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Further growth expected for retail e-commerce in Germany
Highlighting unique value to compete with budget brands
Facilitating online sales with even greater convenience
CHANNEL DATA
Table 152 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 153 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 154 Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 155 Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 156 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 157 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 158 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 159 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 160 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 161 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029

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