The number of enterprises in the retail trade sector in Germany, excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles, is forecasted to decrease steadily from 2024 to 2028. Starting at 288.55 thousand enterprises in 2024, the number is projected to decline to 263.42 thousand by 2028. This represents a cumulative decline each year, showing a consistent downward trend.
Year-on-year percentage changes show a steady decrease: approximately -2.2% from 2024 to 2025, followed by a similar pattern in subsequent years, reflecting a persistent contraction in the number of enterprises. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2028 indicates a shrinking retail sector in terms of enterprise numbers.
Future trends to watch for include the potential impact of e-commerce growth, changes in consumer behavior, and any regulatory shifts that might further affect the retail landscape. Increasing digitalization and sustainability trends might also influence enterprise dynamics in the sector.
