German retail sales gained 2.3% in October from the previous month, data released today by the national statistics office showed, signalling a broadening recovery in Europe's biggest economy.
On a 12-month basis, sales gained 0.4% in nominal terms, a statement issued by the Destatis office added. The data do not include sales of cars or petrol.
Economists noted that after 'two rather disappointing months', Germany had posted its strongest monthly gain since January 2008.
In September retail sales had fallen by a revised 1.8%, Destatis said.
Analysts said that the strong October retail sales may signal a smashing Christmas shopping season,' pointing to relatively strong levels of employment and 'anecdotal evidence of Christmas bonuses'.
'After months of pure window shopping, it now looks as if Germans are finally indulging in real spending,' they added.
