Retail sales in Germany did fall
unexpectedly in January by 1.6% compared with the previous month, the biggest
drop since May last year, official figures have shown.
Falling consumer spending and exports contributed to a contraction in the German economy - Europe's largest - in final three months of last year.
"The January results are a disappointment. In the mild weather much less winter clothing and winter sports articles were sold," said Rainer Sartoris at HSBC Trinkaus.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17229681
