Christmas Business 2024 Expected to Surpass Previous Year

Based on a flash survey, it was stated to the APA that the third Advent weekend had "even gone a tick better than the second". On average, customer frequency in shopping streets and centres was up to a quarter higher than the previous year, according to Rainer Will, head of the Trade Association. This year's Christmas business is expected to surpass the previous one and reach a turnover of 7.5 billion euros.

Local inspections on Saturday showed that many people were bustling about in Graz, Innsbruck and Salzburg. Vouchers, fashion and sports equipment were particularly popular among buyers, said Gerhard Wohlmut, the Styrian trade chairman in the local Chamber of Commerce, to the APA. "It's going well." Business is expected to be above last year's level, was also heard from the Tyrolean capital and Salzburg. Watches, jewellery and toys always sell well at Christmas.

Sales Forecast of 7.5 Billion Euros in December

"The sales forecast of the Trade Association and Wifo for Austrian retail trade this year assumes a total December turnover of 7.5 billion euros," says Will. "If the fourth Advent weekend also performs above expectations, we will be significantly above last year's turnover of 7.34 billion euros in December." This is possible due to the high volume of vouchers.

Vouchers are particularly pleasing to the trade: "Because usually when redeeming, it goes about 15 to 20 percent above the voucher value," explained Wohlmut. However, recently voucher owners had to put up with annoyances: For example, there were problems with acceptance during the Kika/Leiner bankruptcy.

More about Christmas in Vienna

(APA/Red)

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