Personal advice remains valued, but willingness to pay is declining. While many customers understand the need for a consultation fee, fewer and fewer are generally willing to spend more on it. Independent research is increasingly replacing sales pitches. At the same time, the demand for quality, independence, and transparency is growing. How is consulting changing, and what will be important in the future?.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What do Germans actually do in their free time – and what does that say about our times? The new Leisure Monitor 2025 reveals a diverse mix of media use, relaxation, and activity, ranging from streaming and smartphone use to walks. Almost everyone is online, many relax by doing nothing – and more than half exercise regularly. Leisure time is becoming more individual, spontaneous, and often digital. But at the same time, the desire for exercise, peace and quiet, and genuine connection is growing.

The desire for rural life is strong – but it comes with clear conditions. Good digital connectivity and reliable public transport are particularly important. Many appreciate peace and quiet and nature, but don't want to forgo access to amenities and services. For rural areas to be a truly attractive place to live, investments in infrastructure, community, and flexibility are needed.

Smart homes are already a reality – yet only twelve percent of the population can imagine living in one full-time. The reasons for this reluctance range from data privacy concerns to fears of dependency and loss of control. At the same time, many people already use individual smart applications, often without even realizing it. Yet, connected living holds great potential for greater comfort, security, and energy efficiency in everyday life.