The Christmas Markets are open, the first mulled wine has been drunk and the run for presents has started. The Holiday Season is a busy time, mostly of course for online merchants who will be trying to make the most of it. The new Händlerbund Christmas Study 2017 Survey revealed what challenges retailers will be facing this year and most sellers can agree on two things: logistics and delivery will be the hardest to tackle this year.
Expected Sales: Most Retailers are Confident
Out of the 417 asked merchants, most of them expect more sales during the festive season. 70% are looking forward to a lucrative few weeks with more sales expected than during the rest of the year. Only 10% expect a drop in sales. In comparison with last year, e-tailers are hoping for even more gift giving in 2017. 50% anticipate more revenue than in 2016. In terms of sales channels, most of the merchants regard online marketplaces as the strongest one. 60% said Ebay, Amazon and Co. will generate the most sales during this year’s Christmas shopping. Every second participant is confident, that their own online shop will be the main selling point. Only 15% of the merchants expect the most money from their stationary stores.
Logistics will be One of the Biggest Challenges
Even though most of the retailers prepare long ahead for the busy Christmas season, they still see a lot of challenges. One in two expect delivery problems, especially caused by the sheer volume of packages sent this year. Last year, only 36% were worried about that. Closely followed are problems with returns. 43% except more this year, than they were in 2016. But not all of the 417 participant expect difficulties during the coming festive season. 17% are totally carefree and see no problems whatsoever on the horizon.
Credit Cards Buzz on a Sunday Evening
Even though most of the retailers prepare long ahead for the busy Christmas season, they still see a lot of challenges. One in two expect delivery problems, especially caused by the sheer volume of packages sent this year. Last year, only 36% were worried about that. Closely followed are problems with returns. 43% except more this year, than they were in 2016. But not all of the 417 participant expect difficulties during the coming festive season. 17% are totally carefree and see no problems whatsoever on the horizon.
All results of the Händlerbund Christmas Study and infographics are available here for free download: https://www.haendlerbund.de/en/downloads/christmas-study-2017.pdf
