Christmas sales on the upswing: Shopper enthusiastic about discounts!

Christmas sales on the upswing: Shopper enthusiastic about discounts!

Parndorf, Österreich - The start of Christmas is promising in Austria. In Leoben, where numerous visitors stormed the shops on the first Saturday of Advent and on Black Friday, center manager Christian Trampus optimistically comments: "We had a very good start for the first Christmas weekend and are satisfied." These positive results are also reflected in the shopping centers in Burgenland. Mario Schwann, General Manager of Designer Outlet Parndorf, sees the expectations as exceeded and notes that "it was a great day" for the flow of visitors. The Chamber of Commerce confirms that sunny, cold weather as well as offers and special campaign days have provided full shopping houses.

special opening times and regulations

An important appointment for buyers is imminent. December 8th falls on a Sunday this year and the shops remain closed, as reported by the Chamber of Commerce . Nevertheless, there are special regulations for the Advent Days, which are highly valued in Austria. On November 30, 7, 14 and 21 and 21, the shops are open, and the employees can work on this Saturday afternoons. Standard surcharges for overtime after 1:00 p.m. do not apply. The Christmas season is of central importance for trading, since consumers spend an average of around 424 euros on gifts, with Upper Austrians investing around 320 euros.

Martin Sonntag, chairman of the Handel division of WKO Upper Austria, looks hopefully into the future. After a decline in income in 2022 and 2023, a current survey shows a stabilization, which could give Christmas time a necessary thrust. Retail companies are convinced that the next few weeks will be crucial for annual sales. The positive development before Christmas, supported by discount campaigns, could indeed lead to a successful Christmas business if the buying behavior of consumers extends to all Advent weekends.