Sales flat against tough July
Retail sales failed to improve in Germany last month, despite market forecasts of a 1 per cent uplift.

Turnover was static against the July figure - a month when sales fell 1.5 per cent overall, according to the Federal Statistical Office, Destatis. The dip in July was blamed in part on the distraction of the World Cup and sustained record temperatures.

So far this year, retail sales have increased 0.6 per cent in Germany.