Frankfurt retailers report record visitor numbers at the start of the Christmas shopping season

Despite the rainy weather, Frankfurt's city center experienced an exceptional surge in visitors over the All Saints' Day weekend. Foot traffic on Zeil and Goethestrasse was sometimes 50 percent higher than on a typical Saturday, which retailers consider a successful dress rehearsal for the Christmas season.

Despite the unsettled weather, Frankfurt's city center proved to be a major draw for shoppers last weekend. According to the Hessian Retail Association, visitor numbers on the central shopping streets Zeil and Goethestraße were up to 50 percent higher than on a typical Saturday. This is a positive sign and a successful dress rehearsal for the most important sales season of the year.

Experience beats online shopping

The association attributes the positive development to targeted initiatives by retailers in cooperation with the city's marketing department. Events such as "Guest in Frankfurt" have significantly contributed to increasing the length of stay and the attractiveness of the city center. According to Tatjana Steinbrenner, Vice President of the Hessian Retail Association, this success underscores the growing importance of the shopping experience. Positive emotions and an appealing environment are crucial for ensuring the long-term vibrancy and attractiveness of urban centers.

Hesse-wide trend with Frankfurt at the forefront

The increase in visitor numbers was a phenomenon across Hesse, but it was most pronounced in Frankfurt. The effective cooperation between retailers and city officials once again proved key to increasing foot traffic and sales. Last weekend demonstrated that joint efforts can sustainably strengthen the position of city centers as attractive destinations.