Significantly higher prices for energy and fuel – many Saxons have to save wherever possible. The food and clothing trade is now also feeling the effects of this.
Dresden (dpa/sn) – Rising prices in almost all areas are causing problems for people in Saxony and depressing the mood to buy. After the corona pandemic and the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, consumer sentiment has remained at an extremely low level for weeks, as the Saxony trade association announced when asked. Managing Director René Glaser said people couldn’t face high energy and fuel prices that easily. Against this background, there would be no noticeable impetus for consumption.
Glaser emphasized that anyone who relies on their car to get to work must fill up. “As a result, to save money, many people find it easier to save on groceries, either by shopping less or by shopping for cheaper products and special offers.”
Accordingly, the retail trade in food recorded a real drop in sales of 7.7 percent in April compared to the previous month. According to the trade association, this is the largest drop in sales compared to the previous month since 1994. Compared to April 2021, sales fell by 6.5 percent.
Basically, according to Glaser, a sales recovery in the non-food trade is becoming visible. After a dramatic slump in sales in 2020 and a slight recovery last year, by April 2022 it had moved back towards the level of the corona pandemic. However, the pandemic has left clear traces in many trading companies.
“The clothing trade in particular, which was hit hardest by the Corona crisis, is therefore still under economic pressure and cannot yet build on the pre-Corona times,” explained Glaser.
Overall, the number of customer visits in the inner cities is still well below the pre-crisis level. According to the trade association, however, attractive inner cities require a strong retail trade.