The combination of acceptable weather, wintry conditions in parts of Austria, yesterday’s Black Friday and well-attended Christmas markets are making local retailers rejoice. Many people used Saturday to stroll through their local shopping streets. The Trade Association According to a quick survey, customer frequency was up to ten percent higher than in the previous year.
A promising start to the Christmas business
“The first weekend of Advent was a strong sign of life for Austrian trade and a promising start to the Christmas business in 2025,” says trade association managing director Rainer Will. Also the numerous Black Friday and Black Week offers would ensure excellent customer frequency in stationary retail. “Some retailers and shopping centers recorded up to 10 percent more customer traffic than in the previous year.”
The most popular gifts
Gifts were particularly in demand in the first week Toys, books, perfumes and Electric-Products. Those too fashion houses According to the trade association, they were packed on Saturday. In an industry comparison, the Grocery store a high demand. In particular confectionery such as last-minute Advent calendars and chocolate Santas were booming on Saturday.
The 16 domestic shopping centers of the Spar European Shopping Centers (SES) from Vienna to Vorarlberg were also heavily frequented on the first Saturday in Advent. “We count around 30 percent more visitors on this day than on normal Saturdays,” said SES CEO Christoph Andexlinger to WHAT.
80 percent of Christmas spending in stationary retail
The Christmas business continues to be the domain of traditional shops. According to JKU retail researchers, around 80 percent of the forecast Christmas spending this year will come from stationary retail. Online retail only accounts for 20 percent of gift spending.