In a Europe beset by large budget deficits, sovereign debt issues, fiscal austerity programmes and patchy economic growth, Germany stands out as a beacon. Healthy economic growth and falling unemployment numbers not only show that Germany is once again assuming its role as Europe’s locomotive economy, but also that rising consumer demand augurs well for the country’s retail sector, both for retailers and for retail property investors. It is no coincidence that respondents to INREV’s latest investment intentions survey stated that their most-favoured investment sector this year will be German retail. The shop tills are ringing. Editor Richard Fleming spoke recently with Martin Mörl, managing director of Prelios Deutschland GmbH, based in Hamburg, about the company’s development and prospects for the retail sector in Germany.