Many dissatisfied traders - Gift cards are to fill the cash register - Many dissatisfied traders - Gift cards are to fill the cash register
Retailers in Thuringia have faced mixed results this Christmas season. While supermarkets saw busy stores and full car parks before Christmas Eve, around two-thirds of shops reported disappointment with their Advent sales. Despite this, the Thuringian Retail Association still expects a modest rise in overall turnover for the year.
The run-up to Christmas brought packed supermarkets and high demand for certain products. Toys led the way as the season’s top seller, with watches, jewellery, and books also performing well. However, many retailers struggled to meet their revenue expectations during Advent.
Knut Bernsen, managing director of the Thuringian Retail Association, confirmed the forecast of a 1.5 percent year-on-year increase in turnover. While pre-holiday sales fell short for some, hopes now turn to post-Christmas trading. Gift vouchers and cash presents are expected to drive additional spending in the coming weeks. Retailers are counting on a late boost to balance out the slower December trade. The association remains cautiously optimistic about the final figures for the year.
The Christmas shopping period delivered uneven results across Thuringia. Supermarkets thrived, but many other shops saw weaker-than-expected sales. With gift vouchers and cash presents likely to spur further purchases, businesses are now looking to January for a much-needed lift.
