Strong Start to the Christmas Business: Trade is Pleased
Trade is not running strong overall, but according to initial estimates, the Christmas business has started strong. Most Christmas markets also reported strong visitor numbers, from which retail in turn benefits, said the Trade Association (HV) on Sunday via press release. The Spar European Shopping Centers (SES) also reported a "promising start" to the Christmas business in their 16 centers. Now a "sustained revival" is hoped for.
First Advent Saturday is One of the Most Important Days for Trade
"The first Advent weekend 2024 in Austria was characterized by a mix of traditional Christmas magic and intensive shopping," wrote the HV. "Many cities and regions report well-attended Christmas markets, such as the Salzburg Christmas market or the Advent markets in Vienna and Linz." For example, queues formed on Saturday afternoon at the "Advent Magic" of the Army History Museum in Vienna in front of the entrance, visitors told the APA. Market visits are often combined with strolling in shopping streets and centers, according to HV.
The first Advent Saturday is traditionally one of the most important days in the trading year. Mood makes a lot out of the spending willingness of potential customers. "Some retailers and shopping centers recorded up to 40 percent more customer frequency compared to the previous year," said HV Managing Director Rainer Will.
Optimistic Outlook on the Christmas Business
According to the information, there was strong demand for technology, books, toys, and perfumes. Fashion houses were "packed full", and food was also in demand. The industry is now hoping for a "sustained revival" in the Advent season, according to the HV. "We are looking optimistically at this year's Christmas business," said SES CEO Christoph Andexlinger.
Already on Saturday, an APA survey in Carinthia showed that the managers of the three larger shopping centers there were very satisfied. In the Klagenfurt City Arcades, the utilization on the first Advent shopping Saturday exceeded that of the previous year by almost a fifth (18 percent). Expectations were also exceeded in Burgenland, for example from the Designer Outlet Parndorf.
Collective Bargaining in Trade is Stalling
However, not everything is rosy in domestic trade. The Trade Association continuously points out high insolvency numbers and too high costs. At the same time, the industry's collective bargaining negotiations are stalling and there have been initial protests. Negotiations are to continue on Tuesday.
The employee representatives recently reduced their wage increase demand in trade to 3.9 percent. The employers offer a two-year conclusion with first 3.1 percent and a year later half a percent above inflation - but only if the then relevant inflation rate is below two percent.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.