Image: HELMUT FOHRINGER (APA)
The average budget for gifts this year is 73 euros. In 2022, 13 percent more was invested at 84 euros. “Nevertheless, the additional income for retail of at least 140 million euros is respectable, especially now in times of inflation,” says Rainer Will, Managing Director of the Retail Association, with a view to February 14th.
Not much has changed in the selection of gifts, the category “Flowers & Plants” clearly leads with 52 percent “Chocolate, Pralines, Sweets” (24 percent). Back on the podium after abstinence due to the pandemic are “restaurant visits” (15 percent), according to the Consumer Check study by the trade association and Mindtake, for which 1,000 people aged 18-69 were surveyed. In addition to partners (30 percent) or spouses (27 percent), mothers are also given gifts. At least 13 percent think of them on the day of love, but almost 31 percent have decided that they will not give presents to anyone.
Vorarlbergers, Viennese and Salzburgers are the most generous
In this context, the flower trade draws attention to the fact that the first spring flowers are already available. The President of the Austrian Flower Council, Johann Obendrauf, mentioned tulips, grape hyacinths, daffodils, anemones and ranunculus. According to the broadcast, the species mentioned are not only in season at the moment, but “come – quite sustainably – from regional production” – special attention is now being paid to this.
Regional differences were relatively considerable in the planned expenditures, the average per capita expenditures are highest in Vorarlberg at 87 euros, in neighboring Tyrol only 54 euros are made loose. People are also generous in the federal capital Vienna with 83 euros and in Salzburg (81 euros), “Upper Austria, Lower Austria and Carinthia are also above the 70 euro mark,” reported Will.
Source: Nachrichten
