Christmas business disappointed: dealers are concerned about sales 2024!

Christmas business disappointed: dealers are concerned about sales 2024!

Freudenstadt, Deutschland - Retail in Germany looks back on a mixed Christmas business that could not meet expectations. According to Alexander von Preen, the President of the German Trade Association (HDE), the mood among consumers was poor, influenced by global conflicts and political uncertainties in Germany. Many people kept their money together, which led to a noticeable purchase withdrawal, as also the Tagesspiegel . In the run -up to the holidays, a turnover of around 121 billion euros was originally predicted, but the HDE calculates with an inflation -adjusted turnover that will at best be at the level of the previous year.

Different developments in the industries

differences are shown within the different trading sectors. While the perfumery and cosmetics trade as well as book and toy transactions benefited from stable demand, many fashion and textile shops found the Christmas business rather disappointing. "Not everyone is satisfied with the course of the Christmas business," Axel Augustin, Managing Director of a Industry Association for Textiles, told the Black Forest Bote . In particular, the dealers also put pressure on the increased increased costs for personnel, energy and rents. Consumers also honored reluctance and postponed purchases when buying durable articles such as electronics.

While the HDE emphasizes that many retailers feel little joy in view of these challenges, the year -end sales remain a glimmer of hope after Christmas Eve. Many customers use the days after the holidays for purchases with gifts and vouchers, which could give the sellers a small upswing. Despite the difficulties in Christmas business, trade hopes for strengthening the purchases through gift vouchers that were distributed during the holidays.