For the first time in years, people’s budgets for Christmas could be smaller. That worries the trade. He hopes for a defiant reaction.
Munich (dpa / lby) – In view of the numerous crises, the Bavarian retail trade is concerned about the upcoming Christmas business. “The bad news is piling up,” said trade association director Bernd Ohlmann. “Energy prices, inflation, delivery problems. The consumer mood is in the basement.” Even in the food trade, you can now see that people want to keep their money together.
Retail was “badly hit” by Corona and many had hoped for a conciliatory end of the year, said Ohlmann. At around 14 billion, the Christmas business typically accounts for a fifth of annual sales. For some product groups, such as toys, significantly more. But Ohlmann fears that, for the first time in many years, people’s gift budgets for Christmas will fall. Online retail will also feel this this year.
Retailers’ hopes are now resting on a defiant reaction from consumers. “We hope that people will treat themselves – especially now,” said Ohlmann. And at least when it comes to toys for the children, savings are usually the last thing.
