Many people in Germany hold back when shopping and consuming. Apparently the most savings are made on leisure expenses such as cinema, theater, concerts and restaurants. This is shown by a representative YouGov survey commissioned by the German Press Agency. 42 percent of those surveyed are most reluctant to do so here.
Savings are also often made on vacation (34 percent), furniture (32 percent), clothing (29 percent) and electronic products (28 percent), but less often on food (14 percent). One in five say they will not reduce their spending in any of the areas. 4 percent did not provide any information. What is striking is that women save on clothing more often than men. Young people between the ages of 18 and 34 limit themselves above average when it comes to food and clothing, but restrict themselves less when it comes to leisure activities.
YouGov conducted a representative survey of 2,100 people in Germany aged 18 and over from February 6th to 9th. Participants were able to select up to two areas in which they particularly wanted to save money.
Consumer prices rose sharply
The fact that consumers are currently reluctant to consume is probably due to the fact that everyday costs have risen significantly in recent years due to high inflation. According to the Federal Statistical Office, consumer prices in December were on average almost 23 percent above the 2020 level.
Food and non-alcoholic drinks have increased in price by almost 37 percent over the same period. For a comparable, exemplary weekly shop that cost 100 euros more than five years ago, the most recent calculation was around 137 euros. The prices for going to the cinema (+26 percent), theater (+16 percent), opera and musicals (+19 percent) have also increased. Consuming a main course in restaurants has become 36 percent more expensive, while consuming an alcoholic drink has become 29 percent more expensive.
Consumers also have to dig deeper into their pockets for other expenses. According to the Federal Office, a package holiday in Germany costs an average of 27 percent more, and one to the Canary Islands costs 53 percent more. Buying a bed was recently 23 percent more expensive, and buying a wardrobe was 28 percent more expensive. The prices for jackets, jackets or coats for men have risen by 9 percent since 2020, and those for women’s blouses by 11 percent. Women’s pajamas cost 23 percent more
