The Christmas shopping season in Germany has been underwhelming for retailers, primarily due to political crises and global uncertainties affecting consumer sentiment. Alexander von Preen, president of the German Retail Association (HDE), noted a decline in sales compared to 2023. While many are hesitant to spend, specific sectors like perfumeries and jewelry shops report steady performance. Overall, the HDE forecasts a slight decrease in total Christmas sales, despite some optimistic trends noted in other areas like books and toys.