Overview
- Augsburg’s trade association said takings roughly matched last year in nominal terms, which amounts to a loss once price rises are accounted for.
- New street closures and bus rerouting around Göttingen’s Christmas market were linked by retailers to 10–15% fewer visitors near the restricted streets, prompting calls to rethink the setup next year.
- Pedestrian counts in central Augsburg jumped during Advent, with Philippine-Welser-Straße Saturdays averaging 57,674 passers-by, more than double November’s average, reflecting a late-season surge.
- Many shopkeepers reported tighter consumer budgets and shifting habits toward online deals and later purchases, with a Hessian survey finding about two thirds of businesses dissatisfied with the season.
- Retailers expect continued turnover during the school holidays as customers spend gift vouchers and cash received at Christmas.