German Retailers Concerned about Getting Hold of Supplies
German retailers are very concerned about replenishing their supplies. In August, 77.5 percent complained about supply problems, up from 77.3 percent in July. This is the finding of an ifo Institute survey. “There is currently no sign that the problems will ease in the lead-up to Christmas,” says Klaus Wohlrabe, Head of Surveys at ifo.
The situation remains particularly fraught for bicycle retailers, with 95.5 percent reporting supply problems. Sellers of household appliances (95.5 percent) and consumer electronics (95.7 percent) are in a similar position. The situation for retailers of games and toys has eased somewhat: in July, 100 percent were complaining about overdue goods orders; in August, the figure was 73.5 percent.
“Supply bottlenecks aren’t the only thing casting a pall over the retail sector. High inflation rates are also dampening consumers’ desire to shop,” Wohlrabe says.
