August 8, 2003, Newsletter Issue #152: Trends in Shopping

Tip of the Week

So does this mean that you will not be able to buy any more bargains? Not necessarily. Since the introduction of the Euro, and an accompanying rise in prices for products and services, consumer spending has been steadily decreasing. The result is an increase in competetiveness in the business sector, thus forcing even medium-sized stores to come up with new incentives. Examples are customer appreciation days, sponsoring of local events, and longer shopping hours. Presently, there are discussions to change the part of the German shopping law, which governs how long stores may stay open ("Ladenschlussgesetze"). Remember that German stores are closed on Sundays (with some minor exceptions, such as convenience stores near major train stations or airports). This may soon change. If all stores - even discounters - could be open on Sundays you would not need to pay the convenience stores` exaggerated prices anymore. Also, you will find more "buy one, get one free" products, receive free samples and find coupons in your local German paper. There has been an overall increase in German discounters, Dollar- and outlet stores. A major discounter, "Aldi" is online. You can sign up for a weekly newsletter, which lets you know one week in advance what types of products are on sale. Sign up here: http://www.aldi.de/

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