Overview
- An HDE-commissioned YouGov poll of about 2,060 adults (Oct 22–24) finds 21% plan to spend less on gifts, 10% more, 54% the same, 6% nothing, and one in four budgets under €100.
- An HDE survey of roughly 300 retailers reports 80% expect restrained shoppers and 83% expect customers to pay closer attention to prices.
- HDE projects around €126 billion in November–December sales, equal to a 1.5% nominal gain versus 2024 and roughly unchanged after price effects, with the period accounting for about 18.5% of annual turnover.
- Studies indicate heavier reliance on promotions, with 58% of consumers planning to use Black Friday–style events for gift buying and more shoppers comparing prices or delaying nonessential purchases.
- Structural pressure continues in the sector, with Creditreform noting rising insolvencies and recent store reductions or closures at chains including Depot, Kodi, Pepco, Hammer, and Gerry Weber.