The number of retail stores in Germany is decreasing, potentially dropping below 300,000 by 2026. Since 2015, about 70,000 stores have closed despite new openings. A significant decline occurred during the pandemic. In 2021, 11,500 stores closed, followed by more in 2022. The bankruptcy rate in retail is at a decade high, with impacts from online shopping increases. Experts expect continued revenue decline and more empty spaces in cities.

The claims present a picture of a struggling retail industry in Germany with significant store closures, high bankruptcy rates, and an increase in online sales. Each claim is verified independently with available evidence. The claim about a potential drop below 300,000 stores by 2026 is a prediction and thus not verifiable at this time. Historical data supports significant closures since 2015, with evidence supporting approximately 11,500 closures in 2021. Bankruptcies are indeed high, close to decade records, due to competitive pressures, mainly from online sales growth.