First the problems caused by the corona pandemic, now high inflation: Thuringia's retailers are having a difficult time. Many hope for the gift buyers in the Advent season.
Erfurt (dpa/th) - Thuringians are getting into the Christmas spirit and, according to retail estimates, are buying a little more than in the past few weeks. The Christmas business has picked up a bit, said the managing director of the Thuringia trade association, Knut Bernsen, on request in Erfurt. According to a survey by the association, around 43 percent of retailers have been satisfied so far.
This applies above all to the food trade, but also to clothing and fashion suppliers. "But it's not enough for an overall positive interim balance," said the association's managing director. Retailers have the impression that the Christmas shopping experience, often combined with a visit to the Christmas market, is playing an increasingly important role.
It remains to be seen whether the currently frosty temperatures will continue to boost sales in the Thuringian clothing trade. Gift vouchers are currently being bought a lot, said Bernsen. This gives hope that many customers will come to the shops to redeem them at the beginning of the year. "With a bit of luck, a little more will be bought." The retail trade, not only in Thuringia, is suffering from the consequences of the corona pandemic, where a lot of business has migrated to the Internet, as well as from high inflation. Even in the shopping streets of Thuringia's inner cities, some shops are currently empty.
According to Bernsen, price-adjusted online trade - i.e. without the effects of the price increase - in Thuringia fell by about 0.5 percentage points more than sales in stationary trade. Even small retailers now have an online shop.
According to the trade association, the Christmas business plays a major role in many retail sectors. For example, it made up between 20 and 30 percent of annual sales for watches and jewellery, toys, books and cosmetics.
There are no more shopping Sundays in Thuringia until Christmas. A maximum of four shopping Sundays per year are allowed in the Free State - only one during the Advent season. The cities have to decide between the first or second Sunday in Advent.
