[ad_1]
On Monday morning yesterday, I was already stuck on the west highway near Traun in the direction of the larger markets, the traffic from Linz in the direction of Leonding and Pasching (Linz-Land district), where the centers are also located business, was sometimes heavier than rush hour traffic into the city. in it, not an everyday image. At Harter Plateau in Leonding, where there is market after market, parking spaces were scarce in the morning.
Electrical, home furnishings, animals and especially a hardware store were assaulted. A little further out in Pasching, the hardware store was once again the hotspot: DIY supplies were brought out, as well as various gadgets and sticks for Christmas decorations. The neighboring garden center was comparatively less busy, but the former had already secured their Christmas trees there as a precaution.
PlusCity well attended
The PlusCity in Pasching was very busy on a Monday morning, although far from crowded. The stores were well prepared: there were signs in front of many stores indicating how many customers could enter and the lanes were marked for queuing. However, the delegates who were supposed to make sure these rules were adhered to didn’t have much to do at the moment, because the flood of customers was fast but not excessive. No one had to queue.
Above all, textile stores advertised discounts. Stores that sell typical Christmas gifts – books, perfumes, etc. – were more crowded. In front of those places where it was possible to bring food, queues formed in the late morning. Most of the dining areas were cordoned off to avoid crowds. They then lined up in the parking lot, where they ate and chatted in groups.
See image gallery
Photo Gallery: Hard Closing Finished – Busy Shops, But No Rush
Image: Matthias Lauber
Queues at the new Taborland
In Steyr, where the Taborland shopping center reopened on Monday after the total renovation, there was a lively crowd. There were long lines in front of individual stores due to the ten square meter per customer rule. But it was waited because the stores attracted with opening offers. The center’s director, Maria Prims, saw no problem with the discount campaigns, because the stores “would strictly adhere to safety guidelines.” In this way, the corresponding minimum distance in stores would be maintained. Clients are also “very disciplined” and wait patiently long enough for admission.
Video: Shopping center operators and retailers in several federal states reported vigorous activity, but it was not an excessive rush.
Extended opening hours on Santa Maria day
Many Austrians are likely to reuse today’s public holiday, which is open for sale, to get Christmas gifts. After nearly three weeks of crown lock, some errands have likely accumulated. In order to equalize the flow of customers, this year the opening hours have been extended, this time you can buy between 9 am and 7 pm instead of the previous 10 am to 6 pm
While most people are away, many commercial workers have to work on Maria’s Day. Since 1995, stores can remain open on December 8, but some retail chains still allow it. For this day, employees must pay surcharges and time compensation. The main beneficiaries are large shopping centers and shopping streets, although the economic importance of the Marian festival is limited. Experts estimate that December 8 represents less than 1 percent of annual sales.
Otherwise, the day is important for the mood before Christmas, but this year everything is different due to the pandemic. The first shopping day after the harsh lockdown resulted in less customer influx on Monday than previously feared. Shopping center operators and retailers reported dynamic activity, but it was not an excessive rush. “It’s probably related to the fact that gastronomy, as a major generator of business frequencies, will be closed until at least January 7,” suggested Rainer Will, managing director of the trade association. The industry expects business to pick up a bit more today and the rush to pick up.
