Optimism in the Christmas business: Local retailers rely on quality!

Optimism in the Christmas business: Local retailers rely on quality!

Kirchdorf, Österreich - The Christmas business is of crucial importance for trade, but the situation shows a shared picture. While the dealers are optimistic in Austria, trade in Hesse feels considerably disadvantaged. According to a current survey, every Austrian plans to spend around 424 euros for Christmas presents, whereby the expenses in Upper Austria are somewhat below. This emerges from a message from the Chamber of Commerce, which emphasizes that regional sales contribute to quality of life. Dealers such as Daniela Öllinger from the Öllinger jeweler in Kirchdorf report increasing demand for high -quality jewelry, thanks to an early opening of the Christmas season and the revitalization through Christmas markets. Despite the competition from online trading, the stationary trade in the region is confident. Your customers appreciate the personal service and individual advice, such as Anita Wolf, operator of a delicatessen.

Hessian trade fights with declines

In contrast, trade in Hesse has reported a worrying situation. The Hessen trade association expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Christmas business, which was presented as unexpectedly weak. Many retailers report sales declines of up to 30 percent compared to the figures from 2019. Last but not least, the reason is the tightened corona measures that many customers kept away from the shops. Jochen Ruths, President of the Trade Association, urgently demands more support from politics, since state aids were not sufficient to stabilize the industry. The burdens from pandemic and the associated relocation to online purchases have hit the stationary trade in the city center particularly hard: it shows dissatisfaction of 80 percent among the respondents.

The situation throws a big light on the challenges in front of which retailers are standing in both regions. While Austrian trade captures the positive development and emphasizes the attractiveness of regional purchases, Hessian trade is faced with existential questions. For many, the Christmas business is not only strong in sales, but essential for survival in the industry, according to [Meinverzirk] reports.

The two reports draw a clear picture: While the mood in Austria is characterized by a positive sales balance, Hessian retail is fighting for survival in an increasingly digital market, as is [world]. The upcoming weeks are crucial for the future of dealers in both countries.