tition has slowed considerably. Apart from this, hybrid forms that link online and offline are becoming more and more important. One example is the use of branch outlets as attractive showrooms where merchan- dise is presented and advising if offered – including click & collect in various forms. A remarkable development is the current increase in purchasing power this year despite the many economic problems. The nominal increase of 6.7 per cent is also impressive from a real standpoint and is more than twice the level in the neighbou- ring Germany and Switzerland. Last but not least, the substantial increase in tourism – far beyond expectations – is another plus point. City tourism, which is
particularly important for the retail trade, is currently generating strong growth. Vienna, Austria’s capital city, recorded a plus of ten per cent in overnight stays during the first half year, with even higher numbers of guests from the USA and Asian countries.
Austrian retail trade: Branch development 2023 -2024
Bestseller
25
Action
13
sehen!wutscher 8 Hofer
10
Hansaton 7
-18
Salamander
-21
Delka
-23
Kika/Leiner
-25
Gerry Weber
-28
Reno
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
Source: RegioData Research GmbH | April 2024
Austria | 2024/25
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