Overview
- The regional trade group says Augsburg’s total Christmas turnover likely matched last year in euros, which equates to a real decrease once higher prices are considered.
- Footfall rose sharply in Advent: hystreet measured an average 57,674 passers‑by on Philippine‑Welser‑Straße on Advent Saturdays versus 22,059 in November, with Annastraße topping 36,000 each Saturday.
- Only a handful of shops used newly permitted late opening on Advent Saturdays, with larger, staff‑intensive stores calling the extension impractical and evening shoppers less focused on buying.
- Retailers report cautious spending overall, though electronics and household appliances are selling well after Christmas as customers put gift money toward big‑ticket items, while categories like jewelry lag.
- Merchants treat the full school‑holiday period as part of the season, expecting an additional boost from shopping between Christmas and New Year.