HDE Managing Director Steven Haarke warns: “The situation will further tighten due to the retirement of the baby boomers. Politics must act now.” Among other things, he calls for better reconciliation of work and family, especially through comprehensive daycare offers even on Saturdays until 8 p.m.-a decisive factor for an industry with a high proportion of women. The association also sees reforms in tax and pension law as necessary. These include the abolition of the control class combination III/V in favor of a fairer factor procedure and the gradual increase in the retirement age.
Despite the shortage of skilled workers, the retail trade scores with attractive conditions: According to the Federal Statistical Office, the average monthly salary of full -time strength in June 2025 was EUR 3,628. The gross hourly wage also increased by 13.4 % between 2022 and 2024 and is an average of 22.26 euros. Depending on the qualification, the fees vary significantly – from 16.44 euros per hour for helper activities to 37.02 euros for experts.
In addition to the income perspectives, the HDE emphasizes that trade offers jobs and development opportunities not only in metropolises, but also in rural regions. Many employees also appreciate job security and the variety of activities.
In order to effectively counter the increasing shortage of skilled workers in retail, structural and political reforms are therefore as necessary as the targeted promotion of qualifications, diversity and family -friendly framework. This is the only way to remain an attractive and stable employer in the future.
