Erfurt (dpa/th) - On the second Sunday in Advent, numerous people in Thuringia used the opportunity for pre-Christmas Sunday shopping. In Erfurt, Weimar, Gera, Gotha, Weimar, Nordhausen, Ilmenau and Arnstadt, among others, retailers attracted visitors to Sunday shopping. Despite the rather uncomfortable weather, this was well used, said the managing director of the Thuringia trade association, Knut Bernsen, on request. The city center was not only well filled in Erfurt. "People seem to be enjoying the shopping experience again," said Bernsen.
Because of the corona pandemic, the two shopping Sundays in Advent in Thuringia had last been canceled for two years. This was a consequence of the cancellation of the Christmas markets. According to the state’s shop opening law, Sundays that are open for shopping are always linked to specific events, such as Christmas markets. A maximum of four shopping Sundays per year are permitted, with the municipalities having to decide on the first or second weekend in Advent.
"Of course, the Christmas markets attract people," said Bernsen. Business also benefited from this. The trade association observes that the mood among retailers has brightened somewhat in the past few days. This applies to the fashion trade, for example. According to the association, in the second half of Advent, retailers mainly rely on Saturdays. "These are also high-sales days," said Bernsen.
