The financial situation of private households is brightening only very slowly. The balance of positive and negative assessments of the future financial situation by consumers remains negative. Developments in Austria are largely parallel to those in the EU. Differentiated by federal provinces, there is a west-east divide in Austria.

The continuing tight financial situation has a negative impact on consumption and spending behaviour. In half of the Austrian households, the available budget for retail purchases has decreased in the last three months. Every second household postpones larger purchases or does not make them at all. A quarter of the holidaymakers have to limit their holiday spending this year.

"Consumers are putting the brakes on spending, especially on (medium) large purchases. In such grey weather conditions in the consumer climate, the non-food trade in the long-term needs segment suffers accordingly," summarises Dr. Ernst Gittenberger from the Institute for Retailing, Sales and Marketing (IHaM) at the Johannes Kepler University Linz.

"The cynical basic tenor from conversations with experts is unanimous: It was once more fun to be a retailer. Unfortunately, it is hardly surprising that more and more retail companies - both large and small - are losing the multi-front battle between increased purchase prices, cost increases, staff shortages and buying restraint," explains Prof. Dr. Christoph Teller, head of the Institute for Retailing, Sales and Marketing (IHaM).