Trade: shopping in Luxembourg appeals more to cross -border workers

“Satisfaction exceeds that expressed by Luxembourg residents themselves,” said Theo Biewer, Chief of Staff in Luxembourg Confederation, who presented studies on the purchase habits of Luxembourg*and on the purchasing habits of the inhabitants of the large region ** Monday morning.

“Satisfaction with Luxembourg’s trade turns out to be raised in the three border countries (France, Belgium, Germany) due to the choice, service and staff in Luxembourg businesses,” explains Theo Biewer. In detail, the inhabitants of the large region say they are the most satisfied by opening hours (43%), linguistic competence of staff (42%) and by the friendliness of the staff (37%).

On the other hand, 37% of respondents say they are unsatisfied by the return possibilities. Flexibility (30% of unsatisfied), that is to say the proxy and delivery of goods, and after-sales service (28%) are a problem. In addition, it is in Luxembourg-Ville that the inhabitants of the large region go the most for their purchases, notes the study.

In parallel, residents say they are generally “well informed and satisfied with Luxembourg’s business in terms of services and quality, even if the value for money remains perceived as a weak point compared to foreigners, analyzes Theo Biewer. Also, the challenges linked to traffic, parking and attractiveness of city centers remain ”. In detail, residents say they are the most satisfied by opening hours (21%), by the short time in stores (18%) and by the linguistic competence of the staff (18%). Conversely, response capacity and customer advice (26%of unsatisfied), professional competence (21%) and friendliness of staff (21%) arouse criticism.

The study on residents also shows that businesses in municipalities are the most frequented for races, generally once a week, while shopping centers are less popular. In addition, about two thirds (76%) of residents are buying on the Internet, “a stable rate since 2022, especially for textiles and clothing (55%)”, specifies Theo Biewer. E-commerce particularly appeals to 18-34 year olds, since they are 85% to buy online, concludes the study.

*Study carried out between September 3 and October 4, 2024 with 1,033 residents aged 18 and over.

** Study carried out between October 15 and November 7, 2024 with 1,570 inhabitants of France, Belgium and Germany.