Christmas Markets in the Age of Inflation: Keeping the Festive Spirit Alive Without Breaking the Bank
Street vendors at the Coventry Christmas market are worried about inflation-driven price increases dampening the festive mood this Christmas. Along with the rest of the country, Coventry is experiencing inflationary pressures that affect all aspects of the market, including vendor fees and product prices. Customers may decide to spend less at Christmas markets as a result of the rising prices of seasonal goods, such as presents and festive cuisines.
Crowds may still be drawn to the markets, though, because of their nostalgic appeal and chance to purchase one-of-a-kind, artisanal gifts. With its assortment of reasonably priced options and traditional German-style stalls, Coventry's market might provide some respite. However, there may be fewer impulsive purchases this year due to the "treat-yourself" mentality.
I spoke to stall owner Nicki who sells unique personalised ornaments, to ask if cost of living has affected her business this year more than last year. She said, “Unfortunately stock prices have gone up majorly compared to last year as most stalls”. Nicki does mention that they also have found it difficult to keep afloat, “as bigger known business online are doing similar things and much cheaper as they can afford to do so as a large company”, But what makes her ornaments and products different is the experience of shopping yourself and enjoying the memories as it makes a gift more special.
Picture credited To: Sumaiya Ali
There is a distinct difference between shopping at Christmas markets and online retailers in terms of the shopping experience, selection of products, cost, and sentimental value. Christmas market vendors frequently provide more individualised customer service. You can meet the manufacturers, enquire about the origins of products, and even receive recommendations based on your personal preferences. A lot of the things at Christmas markets are handmade or locally crafted, which makes them distinctive.
It was an awesome experience to go round the market and see all the cool stuff they had on offer. There was a massive 100ft wheel that loomed over everything and festive lights everywhere. Admiring and inhaling the festivity of the Christmas markets with jingles being played in the background and the smell of the different types of foods. As there are many choices to choose from such as crispy seasoned potatoes on a stick even the German hot dog stand or what majority look forward to is the Yorkshire pudding wraps.
The fun doesn’t end there they even have freshly made churros and doughnuts for dessert and if your too stuffed by your meals you can always go over to the sugar cookie stand that have variety of different flavours, so you can still enjoy the divine dessert from the comfort of your own home. Moreover, it’s just a shame that despite how great it looked, everyone there was still worried about one thing, their wallets, and how little they have to spend.
It isn’t just about the pricing of stock; vendors are worried about having to ship out their goods from other countries and this can definitely be a hassle and expensive with everything increasing this year. Chocolate kisses stall owner Anna Wright says, “I’ve had to increase the prices as shipment prices have gone up, some people have complained but it’s had to be done, I still have to run a business as this is my lively hood”. The items Anna sells at her stall are chocolate covered marshmallows inserted with different flavour fillings and different coating to choose from such as nutty kisses covered in Belgium chocolate nuts with white chocolate drizzled on top.
Picture credited To: Sumaiya Ali
These chocolate kisses make the perfect gift or even a treat especially for those with a sweet tooth. Anna also says, “prices have increased everywhere not just here, it’s just up to the customers if their willing to spend on authentic chocolate”, As all the chocolate is made from Belgium chocolate imported from Germany, it’s a rich creamy taste and the texture is silky smooth and just melts straight in your mouth now who doesn’t love the sound of that.
Going back the market as I was strolling through, I could just smell the scrumptious food especially when walking past the churro stand as everything is made fresh and covered in any topping you prefer such as cinnamon sugar, or the classic drizzled Nutella covered with chocolate chips. Overall the experience of going to the Christmas market was lovely and wonderful just embracing the festive season.
I would defiantly recommend as there’s something for everyone there and just the vibes are unreal really gets you in the jingle sprit, perfect for date nights or even a family day out just make sure you’re ready to dig in them pockets I would rate the market a 7 out of 10 as I was really impressed with everything overall and even the layout was perfect.