The number of retail stores in Germany is expected to fall to under 300,000 this year. This is shown by an estimate by the German Trade Association (HDE). For 2026, the association expects a decline of a further 4,900 to 296,600. The forecast takes closures and new openings into account.
According to HDE, the number of shops has never been less than 300,000 since reunification. At the end of 2015 there were still around 372,000 stores. Particularly during the corona pandemic the number fell: by 11,500 in 2021 and by 11,000 in 2022. Last year it fell by 4,500 to around 301,500. Online trading is also putting pressure on brick-and-mortar retailers.
Consumers remain cautious
The industry has had a mixed year: According to the HDE, online retail increased by 3.5 percent after adjusting for prices in 2025, but sales in stationary retail stagnated. According to a retailer survey conducted by the association in January, only 14 percent of companies rate their business situation as good. Every second person expects sales to fall in 2026. The biggest problem, according to the survey, is that many people continue to be cautious about shopping.
HDE President Alexander von Preen warns: “Many inner cities are already suffering today visibly empty. Things cannot and must not continue like this.” The situation is particularly serious for many medium-sized retailers. “The environment with the consumer mood, which has been languishing for years, is difficult,” said von Preen. Politicians have a duty to reduce energy and employment costs.
The Number of retail bankruptcies
is at its highest level in ten years. In 2025, the credit insurer Allianz Trade recorded 2,571 bankruptcies, compared to 2,291 in the previous year. Most recently, the shoe retailer Görtz, the fashion manufacturer Gerry Weber and the men’s outfitter Wormland were among those affected. The shirt manufacturer Eterna will cease operations this summer due to bankruptcy. Other companies such as the decorative retailer Depot and the discounter Kodi have significantly reduced their branch networks.