Retail sales in Saxony-Anhalt experienced a slight growth

In the first half of 2025, the retail trade landscape experienced a mixed bag of results. The number of employees in the non-food retail sector saw a decrease of 1.7%, while nominal turnover in the same sector increased by 0.5%. However, real turnover in this sector remained stagnant, with no growth reported compared to the first half of 2024.

The retail trade at stalls and markets experienced a 5.1% decrease in real turnover. On the contrary, a positive growth was observed in the retail trade of motor fuels, with real turnover increasing by 0.8%. The retail trade (excluding motor vehicle sales) reported a nominal turnover increase of 1.6% compared to the same period in 2024.

In the specialized retail trade of food, beverages, and tobacco products, nominal turnover increased by 1.6%, but real turnover decreased by 1.5%. The retail trade of other goods, on the other hand, showed a real turnover increase of 2.2%. Interestingly, real turnover growth in the retail trade of information and communication technology equipment was 1.0%.

However, the retail trade not conducted in stores, stalls, or markets saw a real turnover decrease of 6.9%. The retail trade of publishing products, sports equipment, and toys also experienced a real turnover decrease of 2.6%.

In the steel industry, Salzgitter, a prominent company in Saxony-Anhalt, reported a significant 13% real decline in revenue in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year, mainly due to a weak economic environment and reduced steel demand.

The 3U Holding AG, another major player, experienced a 2.4% decrease in group revenue in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year, with specific segments like ITK and SHK affected negatively by market changes.

It's important to note that these data are initial provisional figures from the monthly retail trade statistics, which are continually updated based on late or corrected company reports in subsequent months.

No information was provided about the turnover growth in the retail trade of non-food items (including service stations) or the number of employees in the retail trade not conducted in stores, stalls, or markets or in the specialized retail trade of food, beverages, and tobacco products. Similarly, no information was provided about the turnover growth in the retail trade of food, the retail trade of other goods (excluding information and communication technology equipment), or the retail trade of motor fuels (excluding motor vehicle sales) in the first half of 2025.

These figures offer a glimpse into the economic trends of the first half of 2025, providing a starting point for further analysis and potential adjustments in the coming months.