An international team of researchers studied the following aspects of training in Germany's retail sector: structure and characteristics, institutional and social context, employment and labor, changing conditions and their implications for skill requirements, and training and recruitment. Data were collected from an analysis of social and labor/employment statistics, literature review, and case studies of seven retail stores of six companies. Two were located in what was formerly East Germany. All companies had independent internal training departments or company training institutes responsible for planning training at the company level. In all cases, training was planned in consultation with store and district managers. Training strategies were closely linked to company philosophies. In-house management involvement in training design/delivery varied widely. All companies offered some training to all levels of employees; however, most training focused on individuals in jobs demanding higher qualifications. All companies had introductory courses for new employees, and in companies located in former East Germany, all training was introductory in nature. Most training departments were eager to translate new pedagogical approaches to initial vocational training and adult education into practice, and new methods were often tried. Continuing training of sales employees was expanding. (Contains 13 tables/figures and 22 references.) (MN)