The number of retail stores in Germany is declining and will fall below 300,000 in 2026 for the first time since the country's reunification, according to the German Retailers Association (HDE).
According to the organization's forecast, nearly 4,900 traditional retail outlets will disappear in 2026 for various reasons. Only 296,600 will remain. The calculations already take into account the closures and openings of stores.
For comparison, in 2015, approximately 372,000 stores were operating in Germany. The situation was exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, when many stores were forced to temporarily close their doors to customers. In addition, the rapid growth of online shopping has put additional pressure on traditional retailers.
HDE CEO Alexander von Preen pointed out that many German city centers already have a large number of empty, unlet properties. “This cannot continue”, he stressed. He said that politicians must make efforts to reduce costs for small and medium-sized businesses, which includes measures to lower electricity prices.