SALZBURG. In cloudy and rainy weather, the Christmas business in Salzburg started on the first shopping Saturday. The shops in Salzburg’s old town and the shopping center were still well frequented. As a broadcast by the APA showed, business was at the level of 2019 before the corona pandemic. Festive and ball gowns are in demand again, and books, toys and electronics end up as gifts under the new Christmas tree.

In the city of Salzburg, the dealers are in a positive mood, said the managing director of the old town association, Sandra Woglar-Meyer. The autumn was already very strong and the Christmas business is also getting off to a good start. “In general, we are at the pre-corona level,” emphasized Woglar-Meyer. “The retailers don’t have a sales problem, they have a staff problem.” The old town of Salzburg is well visited regardless of the time of day. “The Christmas market also draws people into the city. They combine it with strolling and a punch,” said the managing director of Altstadtmarketing.

Sleeveless waistcoats in all lengths are all the rage this year in the textile trade. And purchases are also made on an occasion-related basis, said Woglar-Meyer. Festive and ball clothes are in demand again, jogging pants have had their day.

The Salzburg Europark has already had numerous customers who have started their Christmas shopping in the past few weeks. With yesterday’s Black Friday, the influx reached a new record, said center manager Manuel Mayer when asked by APA. Compared to the previous week, the shopping center saw a 40 percent increase in visitors. Many retailers would have extended the Black Friday offers to the whole week.

This year’s classics end up under the Christmas tree for Europark customers: electronics, toys and books are long-running favorites. There are also home accessories that are in great demand this year. “The first winter pictures were an important stimulus for the sports sector and a starting signal for the purchase of ski and ski touring equipment,” said Mayer. As in previous years, the Europark voucher is a popular gift. Additional sales booths were set up.

The McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Salzburg is also satisfied with the number of customers. “Of course, the first weekend is also driven by Black Friday,” said center manager Markus Gratz. The shopping center is heavily frequented from the early morning. Sporting goods are in great demand again. The trend towards occasion-related clothing and perfumery can also be seen in the Designer Outlet. “The joy of being able to meet and go out again is reflected there,” explained Gratz. (red)