Overview
- An Ifo survey finds only about 10% of retailers expect a good season, roughly half foresee average sales, and about a quarter anticipate a weak outcome.
- GfK and NIM report a slight month-on-month rise in the consumption-climate indicator, placing sentiment close to last year and signaling stable holiday trade, according to NIM’s Rolf Bürkl.
- The national retail association HDE projects around 1.5% sales growth for the Christmas period across Germany.
- The Handelsverband Rheinland-Pfalz forecasts roughly €5.9 billion in November–December sales and sees strong demand for vouchers, small gifts, and seasonal clothing.
- Trade groups expect the busiest week before the fourth Advent and caution that price increases are likely to temper spending, with outlooks diverging by category as books look brighter than toys.