Consumer trends in Germany - statistics & facts
Consumer trends in Germany are connected to a wide range of industries and markets. However, several key consumption patterns have emerged in recent decades: purchasing convenience, digitalization and sustainability.
The desire for a quick, easy purchase often goes hand in hand with shopping online. Classic criteria for deciding to look for a desired product on the internet include not being dependent on opening hours, as would be the case with a physical store, as well as the option to browse selections in an online shop on a mobile or electronic device of choice. This activity can take place both at home and on the go, e.g. while commuting or traveling. Consumers may also search or shop online for goods if they have not found what they are looking for offline. Add the option of the chosen goods being packaged and delivered straight to the home or a chosen pick-up location, and this trend looks like it is here to stay. While Germans bought a variety of products online in 2022, the leading categories were clothing, shoes, then books, films, music and games, which can be grouped together as a media category.
Reducing climate change and harmful consumption effects on the environment at individual consumer level is a consistent part of everyday discourse in Germany, though actions and opinions differ. This may be due to varying degrees of being informed, present or absent feelings of personal responsibility, income disparity or simply motivation. In terms of sustainable consumption, consumers may place responsibility not only on themselves, but on the producers and manufacturers of purchased items. This creates consumer demand not just for the product itself, but for transparent and credible information on the product origin.
The desire for a quick, easy purchase often goes hand in hand with shopping online. Classic criteria for deciding to look for a desired product on the internet include not being dependent on opening hours, as would be the case with a physical store, as well as the option to browse selections in an online shop on a mobile or electronic device of choice. This activity can take place both at home and on the go, e.g. while commuting or traveling. Consumers may also search or shop online for goods if they have not found what they are looking for offline. Add the option of the chosen goods being packaged and delivered straight to the home or a chosen pick-up location, and this trend looks like it is here to stay. While Germans bought a variety of products online in 2022, the leading categories were clothing, shoes, then books, films, music and games, which can be grouped together as a media category.
Reducing climate change and harmful consumption effects on the environment at individual consumer level is a consistent part of everyday discourse in Germany, though actions and opinions differ. This may be due to varying degrees of being informed, present or absent feelings of personal responsibility, income disparity or simply motivation. In terms of sustainable consumption, consumers may place responsibility not only on themselves, but on the producers and manufacturers of purchased items. This creates consumer demand not just for the product itself, but for transparent and credible information on the product origin.
