The Christmas season means a sales boom for the Austrian retail sector. In 2023, total sales amounted to 75.3 billion euros – an increase of 3.6% compared to the previous year. Sales increase dramatically in December in particular, as this festive period is actually the most consumer-friendly. In the midst of this Christmas madness, the question arises as to how we make our purchasing decisions and how we find the balance between the joy of giving and sustainable consumer behavior.
The impact of consumer behavior on the environment
During the Christmas season, not only do sales figures increase, but also CO₂ emissions due to the intensive transportation and questionable production standards of products that originate from non-Austrian online stores. Online shopping for products from abroad in particular leads to higher transportation costs and longer delivery times, which is usually associated with a higher ecological footprint. So when we buy gifts via international platforms, we are not only accepting that our environment will be more polluted, but also that Austrian retailers and jobs in the country will suffer as a result.
Conscious consumption for the domestic economy
Buying in Austrian stores, on the other hand, offers numerous advantages that benefit both the environment and the local economy. Buying from local retailers or producers contributes directly to strengthening the economy, as the revenue stays in the country and does not flow abroad. Conscious shopping can help to promote the local economy, especially during the busy Christmas period. This applies not only to large retailers, but especially to small, local businesses that sell handmade products and regional specialties.
Another important aspect is the reduction of CO₂ emissions. Products from Austria have shorter transportation routes, which leads to fewer emissions. Regional products also demonstrate higher quality and a more responsible production process. Perhaps the Christmas spirit will inspire us to focus on quality rather than quantity this year!
The problem of non-Austrian online stores
Although online shopping offers many advantages such as convenience and surprisingly in some cases a lower carbon footprint (even driving to the store is in some cases more harmful than having the product shipped directly to your home), buying gifts especially in non-Austrian online stores also has disadvantages. Many international suppliers produce their goods in countries with lower standards, which can not only often lead to poorer quality, but also to less sustainable production methods. Emerging platforms such as Temu or Shein may offer incredibly low prices – but how these cheap prices come about is reflected in the social and environmental standards of production and the quality of the products. In addition, buying from large international platforms means that the added value does not remain in the country and local jobs are weakened.
Why regionality counts, especially at Christmas
Especially during the Christmas season, when consumer spending is at its peak, we can help to ensure that the local economy flourishes through our purchasing decisions. It’s not just about buying presents, but also about consciously choosing products that have been produced regionally. Buying Christmas presents in local stores gives you the certainty that they have been produced in a socially responsible way and at the same time helps to strengthen the local economy. Many Austrian retailers offer products that are unsurpassed by international suppliers in terms of quality and uniqueness – and not just in terms of the products themselves, but also in terms of ethical and sustainable production.