Austrians still like to buy their clothes in stores, but less often and not as much fun. Asian online portals and high rents are also affecting the trade in stationary textiles.
A study* by the Federal Committee for Trade in Fashion and Leisure Articles of the Chamber of Commerce revealed the following results:
- When it comes to shoes, buying in store ranks significantly higher (44 percent stationary, 16 percent online, 28 percent both). When it comes to sporting goods, 27 percent prefer to go to retail. In this category, 17 percent do this mainly online and 23 percent use both variants.
- In stationary retail, for example, value is attached to advice and the warranty on the products. Overall, according to the survey, local retail can score points because it is easy to browse and inspect the goods. Last but not least, the ability to try things on is especially emphasized.
- But shopping doesn’t seem to be so much fun anymore. 48 percent of respondents enjoy shopping, while 23 percent consider it a chore. The reasons for this include pandemic, war and inflation. Compared to 2018, there is also less shopping.
- Other reasons may include increased home office work and the loss of importance of dress codes; a “casual” lifestyle is popular.
- We were also asked how satisfied customers are with popular Asian online portals such as Temu or Shein. Result: The quality and especially the complaint handling are rated poorly. People shop there mainly because of the low prices – even though the research showed negative effects on the domestic labor market, for example.
- There were calls for stricter measures against these portals. These must be treated as official importers into the EU, which means they must comply with applicable environmental, safety and ethical standards. It was also urged that the tax-free limit of 150 euros be abolished as soon as possible.
*The Gallup Institute surveyed 1,000 people on behalf of the chamber about their shopping habits. It turned out that 38 percent preferred to buy clothes in stores. 40 percent of customers did this both in store and online. 16 percent of respondents preferred the internet while shopping.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
