After the kickoff of Advent, retailers in Berlin and Brandenburg are hopeful about Christmas sales. A dusting of snow and the festive ambiance had a positive influence, especially on the Sunday when stores were open, shared Phillip Haverkamp, Managing Director of the Berlin-Brandenburg Retail Association, with the German Press Agency.
The retail sector had begun with the assumption that business, considering inflation-adjusted sales, would dip slightly this year compared to 2022. Consumer confidence was low, and many individuals were apprehensive. However, Haverkamp noted that business has "got off to a strong start," given the circumstances. The association is anticipating an additional €45 million in sales for Berlin and €26 million for Brandenburg solely from the 'Santa Claus business,' such as chocolates and small gifts.
Haverkamp criticized the last-minute cancellation of Sunday shopping in Potsdam following a union complaint, which he believes conferred a disservice to both customers and employees entitled to bonuses for working on Sundays. In cities like Brandenburg an der Havel and Beeskow, where stores remained open, the retail climate was optimistic, mirror-imaging Berlin's sentiments.
The retail sector experienced mixed fortunes this year. As per the statistics office, real sales in Berlin dropped by 2% in the third quarter compared to the previous year. The decline was more noticeable in electronics, DIY, and home improvement stores, as well as furniture stores, which recorded a sales drop of 7.4% compared to the previous year. The hospitality industry also reported a decrease in turnover of 9.9% after price adjustments.
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- Retailers in Berlin and Brandenburg tend to observe an uptick during the 'Advent business,' as customers buy gifts and holiday-related items.
- Despite the uncertain consumer mood, retailers reported a 'cautiously optimistic' beginning to the 'Christmas business' after the 'Advent weekend,' as per Haverkamp.
- Retailers in areas like Brandenburg an der Havel and Beeskow, who managed to operate on Sundays, shared a comparable level of optimism with those in Berlin during the 'Advent weekend.'
- Haverkamp voiced his concerns over the sudden suspension of Sunday shopping in Potsdam due to a union complaint, particularly as it could negatively impact not only customers but also employees entitled to bonuses for working on Sundays throughout the 'Christmas season.'
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Enrichment data suggests that while specific sales figures for the 2025 holiday season in Berlin and Brandenburg are not available, broader trends suggest that retail activity may remain robust. In the United States, for instance, holiday spending has shown an upward trend since 2008, with retail sales increasing year-on-year[2]. This could be a potential indication for Berlin and Brandenburg.
Furthermore, the cultural and sporting events happening in Berlin in 2025, such as the Berlinale film festival, the reopening of Gendarmenmarkt, and two Kandinsky exhibitions, might attract both locals and tourists, potentially boosting local retail sales. The upcoming NFL games in Berlin and the Cirque du Soleil show at Potsdamer Platz may further drive retail activity[1].
However, it is essential to note that while the enrichment data provides valuable context, specific sales figures for this period would be required for a more accurate assessment.
