Empty shops, deserted pedestrian zones, and the rise of online retail – the retail sector in German city centers is under pressure. But why is this? And what ideas exist for shaping this change instead of simply watching it happen?
What would Germans spend extra money on? The answers show that quality of life counts – specifically in everyday life. Culinary delights, personal hobbies, travel, and security are highly valued. Material consumer goods, on the other hand, are losing relevance – the desire for meaning, stability, and health shapes the new spending logic.
More money doesn't automatically mean more consumption – but it does mean different choices. But what would Germans really spend more on in 2025 if they could? And what does that say about our values? In this episode, find out why enjoyment, travel, and security are at the top of the list, what role hobbies play in quality of life and self-realization – and how consumer desires have changed over time.
The shopping habits of Germans have changed significantly in recent decades. While the focus used to be on acquiring the bare necessities, consumption today is increasingly an expression of self-expression, emotion, and experience. Society is dividing into different consumer types, with a clear shift towards experiential consumption.
Do we buy things because we have to – or because we want to? Between frugal consumption, indulgence, and conscious choice, our values are reflected in our purchasing behavior more clearly than ever before. In this episode, learn which consumer types will characterize Germans in 2025, how consumer attitudes have changed over time – and why the true luxury of the future might not lie in possession, but in the freedom to choose.
From sleeping in to petting an animal – the most popular leisure activities of Germans show that it's the simple things that touch us. But why do women experience more joy than men in 77 out of 100 activities? In this episode, find out what leisure time means for personal well-being, which activities resonate particularly emotionally – and why we discover new sources of energy for a fulfilling life precisely through slowing down.
It's more fun together: Activities with a partner, family, or friends bring significantly more joy than leisure activities pursued through media or alone. The desire for closeness, exchange, and meaningful relationships is gaining importance in light of our accelerated and increasingly digitalized daily lives. Social leisure time thus becomes a source of relaxation, stability, and joy. Shared rituals, cultural experiences, and volunteer work are likely to continue to grow in relevance—both for individuals and for social cohesion.
Whether it's camping by the sea or working from home in a van – camping is booming. And that's true across all age groups and income brackets. But what's the source of its fascination? And how is camping changing in times of sustainability, digitalization, and community? In this episode, find out why more and more people are discovering camping as a lifestyle, which trends are shaping travel with tents and vans – and how nature is becoming the stage for new ways of living, working, and connecting.
Camping in Germany is booming, especially among younger and higher-income earners seeking a flexible and nature-oriented getaway. Driven by the desire for slowing down, sustainability, and autonomy, the image of camping has fundamentally changed. Thanks to modern comforts and newfound flexibility, this trend will continue and diversify in the future.
Hobbies are more than just a pastime – they provide stability in everyday life. More and more people are consciously using their free time for personal interests to unwind and recharge. Older people and those who are financially better off especially benefit from the stabilizing effect of regular activities. But younger people are also increasingly discovering hobbies as a refuge in our fast-paced lives.
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