Retailers in Germany had on a successful year, their best since retail sales statistics for all Germany were first recorded in 1994.
The Federal Statistics Office says retail sales went up by between 2.7% - 2.9% between January - November 2011.
When adjusted for inflation, sales rose by between 1.1% - 1.3%.
The FSO cited strong private consumption as the main reason for the rise. It said domestic demand had offset weaker foreign trade for Europe's economic powerhouse.
Deutsche Welle Radio says final figures for December are not yet available, but retailers say trade was buoyant throughout the month. However, November was disappointing. Sales were down by 0.9%.
