Last-Minute Purchases and Caution Shape Holiday Shopping - Last-Minute Purchases and Caution Shape Holiday Shopping
Retailers in Hesse are counting on a last-minute rush before Christmas to boost their sales. This year, many shoppers have delayed their purchases until just days before the holiday. The final stretch is seen as critical for businesses facing cautious consumer spending.
November and December usually bring the highest retail sales of the year. But with prices climbing, fewer people are splashing out on gifts. Some smaller shops in Hesse have still managed stable or even slightly better figures during Advent.
The last 2.5 days before Christmas Eve are especially important. Traders hope this short window will make up for weaker earlier sales. Overall, the season has been marked by uncertainty, with buyers holding back until the final moment.
Many businesses now depend on this late surge to meet their targets. Without it, the festive season could fall short of expectations. The next few days will decide whether retailers end the year on a positive note.