Healthier sales indicate a rebound year ahead for Germany

By Lucy Whitehouse

- Last updated on GMT

Healthier sales indicate a rebound year ahead for Germany

Related tags Personal care sector Germany Cosmetics

Germany has seen unexpected positive retail growth so far this year across the board, with particularly strong sales in the cosmetics sector, according to the country’s Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).

The research body states that the beauty and personal care sector saw 3.7% improvement of January sales as compared to last year.

Germans already spend more on their make-up than other Europeans, with the cosmetic market worth £10.6bn, and the new data suggests this dominance is set to continue.

2014 rebound hopes

The growth follows a year of stagnant sales in 2013 for Germany, especially hampered by an underwhelming Christmas season, during which they dropped by a hefty 2.5%.

The new, healthier figures indicate a rebound year may be ahead for the country, according to international broadcaster Deutsche Welle, and the improvement participates in the healthiest rise seen in the country since 2007.

This year’s January sales were up a strong 0.9%, and the German Association of Retailers, HDE, predicts they are likely to rise by a further 1.5% in the coming year.

Beauty’s strong 3.7% growth within this is good news for the sector, and follows the recent rise of natural cosmetics in the country​.  

Online

Online and mail order retailers enjoyed a strong 3.2% share of the sales increase, confirming that these avenues are proving increasing attractive for consumers.

Retail sector lobby group HDE predicts a quarter of all Germany’s retail will be carried out online within ten years.

In light of this improving market climate, German consumer confidence is now reaching heights not seen since August 2007, according to research firm GfK.

The in-cosmetics base

Cosmetics Europe, the Personal Care Association, names Germany as Europe’s premier market, and its current growth comes as the country gears up to host major beauty industry show in-cosmetics next month.

“This is the first time we’ve taken the show to Hamburg and we’re gearing up for another action-packed edition with more visitor attractions and educational content than ever before,”​ says Lucy Gillam, Event Director for in-cosmetics.

The event being held in Hamburg Messe on 1-3 April 2014, will celebrate the year of collaboration between Germany and Brazil with a new Country Focus feature.

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