Following a decline in last year's Christmas sales, the domestic retail trade can expect earnings in December 2019 to exceed
the previous year's level. WIFO is forecasting a nominal increase in net sales of 1.22 billion € due to Christmas. This
corresponds to an increase of slightly more than 1 percent. Despite the weak overall economic situation, the willingness of
private households to spend has recently remained robust. This should also support the spending mood at Christmas. The strongest
sales peaks compared to a "normal" month should again be recorded by the trade with toys, watches and jewellery, books and
consumer electronics.
