Retail sales fell 2.8% year on year in November and are expected to have declined by about 2% for 2009 overall, according to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office.

Sales for the first nine months were down 1.8%. Products experiencing declines included clothing, which were down 3.5% on the year.

Personal care and prescription drug sales climbed 3%, while household appliances and home furnishings managed a 1.3% rise.

Germany’s gross domestic product is believed to have declined by about 5% in 2009.

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