Christmas business in the district of Ahrweiler: dealers speak of disappointment

The Christmas business is the most important festival of the year for retail. A review of the events in the district of Ahrweiler shows a mixed balance. The sales figures and the general mood among the dealers were rather sobering. The hot air fryer, which recorded great demand in the department store in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, was particularly popular in the shops. Johannes Probst from the House of Gifts in Bad Breisig describes this year's Christmas business as "at a low level".

The market situation at national level reflects similar trends. According to a report by Tagesschau.de , the Christmas business in German retail is not classified as particularly successful. The trade association Germany (HDE) expects a decline in sales compared to the previous year. President Alexander von Preen gives the reasons for the bad mood the global conflicts and political uncertainty in Germany that negatively influence the consumer behavior of the customers.

different industry results

The uncertainty has led to many consumers holding their money together, which in turn leads to little joy among dealers. This mood is additionally reinforced by upcoming new elections and uncertainty about developments in 2025. However, there are differences in the business situation within the retail trade, depending on the industry. While the perfumery and cosmetics trade, especially at scents, recorded a good Christmas business, jewelers and jewelry and watch specialty shops also took a positive balance. Here the jewelry sales remained at the previous year's level, while watch sales are slightly below.

also book, household goods and toy transactions experienced a relatively good Christmas business. The trade association "at best" calculates in inflation with sales at level of the previous year, and a small decline is more to be expected. The original forecast for the months of November and December was redeemed of over 121 billion euros, but the final figures for the Christmas business have not yet been published. It should also be noted that the annual business does not end with Christmas Eve; Many customers use the time after the holidays for purchases. Consumers often spend additional money that they received for Christmas and solve vouchers.