Munich (dpa/lby) – The Bavarian retailers are looking forward to the Christmas business this year with subdued expectations. The Bavarian Retail Association (HBE) expects consumer spending to improve somewhat in the coming weeks. But the high energy and living costs put the brakes on consumer sentiment: retailers would be “satisfied with Christmas business at the same level as last year,” said HBE President Ernst Läuger on Tuesday in Munich. He hopes that despite the difficult framework conditions “there will be no saving on gifts” and that “sales will remain reasonably stable”.
For November and December, the HBE expects a total turnover of 14.5 billion euros. That would correspond to a nominal 5 percent more, but adjusted for inflation 4 percent less than in the previous year.
After two years of high sales due to Corona, online retail will also feel the reluctance of customers to buy in the Christmas business: “We expect a nominal increase of 1.4 percent. This corresponds to 2.3 billion euros. In real terms, however, this means a minus of 4, 5 percent,” said Läuger.
Viewed over the year, the Bavarian retail trade made very good sales; but for some industries, the Christmas business is existentially important. Toy retailer Angela Frey said that she does not experience customers being more economical, but more conscious and thoughtful when shopping. Fashion retailer Johannes Huber said demand for coats, scarves and gloves has been low so far. He is now looking forward to the cold, snow, Christmas markets and Christmas lights.
According to HBE, the warehouses are usually well stocked, delivery problems are likely to be the exception. In the field of electronics, one or the other might not be available immediately, said HBE general manager Wolfgang Puff. With a view to the stable labor market and the gas price brake, he warned against talking about a bad mood and going in sackcloth and ashes.
As in previous years, in addition to vouchers and money, cosmetics, books, stationery, watches, jewellery, toys, sporting goods and clothing should be under the Christmas tree. Retailers don’t expect any tailwind from the upcoming soccer World Cup in Qatar: “It’s more of a dead thing there. The Germany jersey is a slow seller,” said HBE spokesman Bernd Ohlmann.
