BERLIN, Dec 29 (Reuters) - German retailers have had a strong Christmas sales season that could surpass last year's turnover despite the financial crisis and economic downturn, the HDE retail association said on Monday.
Confirming a positive trend which was already evident in the week before Christmas, HDE spokeswoman Ulrike Hoerchens told Reuters on Monday that sales during the overall Christmas season (November and December) were strong despite a modest start.
"We're quite satisfied with the turnover," Hoerchens said. "The turnover will quite possibly be even better this year than last year. The Saturday after Christmas (Dec. 27), in particular, was a very good day for retailers."
Germany has slipped into recession and economists are predicting a gloomy 2009. Some say Germany faces its deepest downturn since World War Two.
Retail sales before Christmas had been running marginally below year earlier levels but could now end up higher, Hoerchens said. Cash and gift certificates given at Christmas could boost sales in the closing shopping days of the year.
Electronic equipment and electronic games were especially in strong demand this year. About 20 percent of annual German retail turnover is recorded in the Christmas season, which ends on Dec. 31.
The HDE has forecast a decline of 1 percent for German retail sales in real terms for the full year.
"Despite the crisis, the year 2008 will end up being quite good after all," she said. "But it probably won't continue like this next year." (Reporting by Reinhard Becker; writing by Erik Kirschbaum; editing by David Stamp)