Munich (dpa / lby) - For the fourth Advent, the Bavarian Trade Association drew a largely positive interim balance. The onset of winter is playing into the hands of retailers: Falling temperatures mean an increasing desire to buy, as association spokesman Bernd Ohlmann explained on Saturday. Overall, they are satisfied with the Christmas business, "it's going better than many feared".
The expected turnover in the last two months of 15.4 billion euros has increased by five percent compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, sales are 10 to 15 percent below the level of the pre-Corona year 2019. The frosty temperatures, which make textile clothing and winter sports items popular gifts, don't help either. There is also a drop in purchases in online retail.
Hopes are high for the coming week, and retailers in Munich, among others, are already reporting a large rush. There is "more pushing than walking". On Christmas Eve, the shops stay open until 2 p.m. - that's how long last-minute shoppers still have the opportunity to buy presents. Books, stationery, watches, jewellery, toys, sporting goods and clothing are particularly popular.
