Mengerskirchen/Kassel. Despite crises, upheavals and the uncertain world situation, Hesse’s market traders and showmen are in good spirits about the approaching Christmas market season. “We are optimistic”said the managing director of the Hesse State Association for Market Trade and Showmen, Roger Simak. He doesn’t fear any clouding over the situation either as a result of the traffic lights being switched off or as a result of the US election. “This will only have an impact if there are economic disadvantages here, which I certainly don’t want to rule out for next year.”
For the cup of mulled wine, which is obligatory for many Christmas market visitors, you probably won’t have to dig much deeper into your pockets than last year. “The price will remain the same on average because we haven’t felt any inflation,” said Simak.
According to him, quality products such as almonds and corn are likely to become more expensive. The purchase prices for goods imported from the USA have risen by up to 30 percent, explained Simak. Of course you could also buy almonds or corn cheaper elsewhere, but then the quality would not be the same as usual. “The traders who source their raw materials from overseas will therefore certainly adjust their prices in some cases even beyond the inflation rate.” He assumes a price increase of ten to 15 percent.
For all other products, he expects a price increase that corresponds to the inflation rate, said Simak. The association advises its members to only increase prices in line with the consumer price index – but to do so consistently. “If you swallow the price increases for years and then suddenly increase them massively after years, that would be a violent step that visitors would not be able to understand.” (dpa.)
