Christmas business is booming: regional shops are enjoying great popularity!

Christmas business is booming: regional shops are enjoying great popularity!

In the festive cheer of the upcoming Christmas, the economy is showing itself in its best light these days. Lucia Sedlacek, owner of “Schuhe und Boutique Lucia” in Purkersdorf, is enthusiastic: “I am very happy with the Christmas business this year,” is how she describes the positive development. Sales figures increased sharply during Advent when it was also open on weekends. The opening of the “Mann” bakery opposite also contributed to an increase in footfall. As Sedlacek explains that many customers value the personal advice in their small business, she emphasizes the close contact of her customers as a crucial factor in this year's success.

Christmas business ahead stable

The Chamber of Commerce confirms these positive trends: Despite high interest rates and a tight labor market, Christmas business is enormously important for many retailers. Ramazan Serttas, field office manager, reports that this year's results are better than last year, although they fall short of pre-2020 peaks. Vouchers, toys and cosmetics are particularly popular this year, while awareness of regional products is continually growing. “The willingness to buy is stable and the negative trend of previous years has been stopped,” adds Serttas. Satisfaction is also evident in the Auhofcenter in Vienna; Peter Schaider, the owner, notes that business is better than last year and highlights the appreciated service of free parking.

In the midst of this busy atmosphere, the author Tomas Sedlacek also took a remarkable look at economic connections. In his works he addresses the relevance of historical and religious writings for modern economic issues. He illuminates concepts such as debt relief and sustainable economic practices and enriches them with entertaining interpretations of ancient texts that are important for today. The mix of reading and business realities could potentially offer valuable insights into how to make the current economy more sustainable, even if its future forecasts are rather pessimistic. When Sedláček points out the lack of solutions, he provokes thought and points to the complexity of the economy as a central theme.