Christmas shopping has been going on for several weeks.

Four Advent weekends with special investments and extra opening hours on Sundays have passed.

But these are troubled times and consumers have pulled back on Christmas gift shopping.

"People keep their money"

According to Svensk Handel's forecast, the total Christmas gift trade will amount to SEK 22 billion this year, which is a decrease of SEK 1 billion compared to last year's Christmas gift trade.

- It feels like people are holding on to their money a little more, says Emelie Gustafsson.

Positive tones nonetheless

As center manager, she has contact with many traders.

In general, a reduction in Christmas shopping is noticeable, she says, but that some more niche traders still seem to have a positive feeling.

- We notice a small decrease, but we are positive, says store owner Katarina Olsson, and she says that customers have said they are waiting to buy Christmas presents until the salary arrives on December 23.

In the clip above you can see more about the Christmas gift trade in Kristinehamn.