Lucky charms are still the most popular New Year’s Eve gifts from Austrians. This was shown by a survey by the trade association together with the market research institute MindTake Research. Small pigs, shamrocks and toadstools are particularly popular (37.8 percent of those surveyed). This is followed by sweets, which 15.3 percent like to give away, and home-cooked or home-baked goods. 6.1 percent of Austrians happily give away all of this at the turn of the year.
On average, people living in Austria pay EUR 46 per person for gifts and party accessories for New Year’s Eve.
In a comparison of the federal states, the Viennese are the most generous this year with per capita spending of 70 euros.
In addition to the top sellers mentioned, some Austrians are also planning to surprise their loved ones with vouchers (4.9 percent) and gifts of money (4.9 percent), toys (3.5 percent) or fireworks (3.1 percent). The latter are no longer bought so often because the knowledge is becoming more and more common that pyrotechnic material is harmful to the environment and a burden for domestic and forest animals.
But it is also due to the fact that supermarkets hardly offer any fireworks anymore. Some large retail chains have already completely removed these from their range.
Only remainder
This year only remnants will be sold. With this, Austrian food retailers are sending a clear signal: “There will be no more new rockets and firecrackers for the time being,” promises Rainer Will, Managing Director of the trade association.
Source: Nachrichten
