Viennese Give Away 74 Million Euros in Vouchers for Christmas

495,000 Viennese are giving vouchers for Christmas this year – which corresponds to about a third of the population. These vouchers are significant: On average, their value is 150 euros, which is about 25 percent more than in 2024. In total, this results in a Christmas voucher volume of 74 million euros, as announced by the Vienna Chamber of Commerce.

"Vouchers are a safe choice," says Margarete Gumprecht, chairwoman of the trade division. "They strengthen our businesses and at the same time offer the recipients maximum flexibility."

Where the voucher money goes

Vouchers for clothing and textiles are particularly in demand (42 percent), followed by cosmetics and perfume (27 percent). In the services sector, thermal and wellness stays dominate (64 percent), ahead of cultural events (53 percent) and restaurant visits (43 percent).

Vouchers are usually not given alone, but personalized with small extras – and thus emotionally enhanced, according to Gumprecht.

Vouchers are being redeemed later and later

Redemption behavior is also changing: Only 12 percent of recipients redeem their voucher before the end of the year. The majority wait: 35 percent use it in January or February, 14 percent by the end of March – and 38 percent take even more time.

"This flexibility is an additional advantage: Vouchers are redeemed deliberately and without time pressure – often with additional purchases, which doubly benefits the economy," says Gumprecht.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.