Compared to the second half of 2022, the consumer climate in Austria during the first half of 2023 - as well as in the EU-27 average - is slowly rising. This does not mean, however, that that retail sector can breathe any sigh of relief as the balance values (from positive and negative assessments) remain in the deep red range. The consumer climate in the EU varies widely and Austria in the lower third.

Dr. Ernst Gittenberger (Institute for Retailing, Sales and Marketing, IHaM at the Johannes Kepler University Linz) remarked: "The retail sector cannot be given the all-clear sign. The consumer climate is still too deeply in the red. Consumers are continuing to put the brakes on spending."

Univ.Prof. Dr. Christoph Teller, head of the Institute for Retailing, Sales and Marketing (IHaM), added: "If our figures show anything, it is that consumers are still in a crisis mode. For a long time now, households are experiencing a sense of caution and reluctance to purchase. Despite the slight silver lining on the horizon of the consumer climate, we need more confidence and optimism as well as lower inflation and a better economic situation in order to push purchasing power."