Cologne Christmas market: snakes in front of shops, but buyers stay away!

Cologne Christmas market: snakes in front of shops, but buyers stay away!

Köln, Deutschland - on December 23, 2024, a decisive day for retail, short snakes were formed in front of some shops in Cologne. Many buyers, mainly men, were ready to acquire last-minute gifts. However, while the shops hope for a strong sales time, the balance remains sobering. Jörg Hamel, Managing Director of the North Rhine-Westphalia trade association Aachen-Düren-Köln e.V., explained that the business will be behind expectations before the holidays. Despite an average willingness to issue 500 euros per capita, which is eliminated to popular gifts such as clothing and electronics, inflation and increased competition from the online trade press the mood of buyers. Around the Schildergasse, the frequency in the shops this year remains strongly behind the numbers of previous years.

shopping behavior in Cologne under pressure

retailers record a noticeable purchase supply. "People buy more consciously," says Hamel. A significant decline in the number of customers is also also attributed to the chaotic traffic situation in Cologne. These circumstances mean that many potential buyers avoid the city center during the Advent season. In addition, a recent assassination in Magdeburg makes the situation further difficult because many people turn away from the Christmas markets. Despite the full pedestrian zones, the willingness to buy is steamed. The week after Christmas, which is traditionally important, could only offer two days of sales this year, which further tightens the situation for many dealers.

Until the turn of the year there will be another holiday that could bring many waiting times and full roads. On January 1, 2025, a statutory public holiday marked all over Germany, followed by regular working days until January 6th. As reported ferienstag.info , the numbers and visitor behavior in retail are decisive for further business. Traders hope that after the holidays, the Cologne vouchers and time will take time for purchases to compensate for the retained sales from the Christmas business.