Christmas business - Glassblowers from Lauscha in hot phase
Whether Christmas tree baubles in magenta or studded with rhinestones, colorful birds or classic pine cones and lace: Christmas business is in full swing around the glassblowing stronghold of Lauscha (Sonneberg district). This year's trend color for Christmas tree decorations is "Viva Magenta", a mixture of telecompink and raspberry red, said Liesa-Marie Fehrmann from Krebs Glas Lauscha. This year, particularly expensive baubles with crystals glitter and sparkle.
Glassblower Helmut Bartholmes in Neustadt am Rennweg takes a more classic approach: "We only make things that our ancestors already made." These include birds, pine cones and lace. He has not noticed any reluctance to buy in the face of inflation. On the contrary: "We can hardly keep up at the moment."
In the case of Krebs Glas, on the other hand, there is currently a slight reluctance to buy compared to last year, says Fehrmann. But that could still change by Christmas. Around 40 percent of the demand is for trend products and 60 percent for classics such as Christmas tree decorations in red and gold.
Lauscha is considered the birthplace of the Christmas tree bauble: glass Christmas decorations have been made here for more than 170 years. Production has been part of the intangible cultural heritage since 2021.
Price increases only passed on in part or not at all
Fehrmann went on to say that the rise in energy prices did not have much of an impact on overall costs. The company was more affected by increased costs for logistics, raw materials and wages.
Helmut Bartholmes spoke of energy and raw material prices doubling in some cases. However, he also says that he cannot pass these on completely. For retailers and wholesalers, the price increase is around 20 percent. At the Erfurt Christmas market, for example, the price will remain the same as last year. "We want to keep our region as attractive as possible." However, the bottom line will be less profit than last year.
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- Despite the inflation, glassblower Helmut Bartholmes in Neustadt am Rennweg continues to sell his classic Christmas tree decorations, such as birds, pine cones, and lace, at an exceptional pace.
- Though the trend color for this year's Christmas tree decorations is "Viva Magenta," a mixture of telecompink and raspberry red, Liesa-Marie Fehrmann from Krebs Glas Lauscha mentions a slight reluctance to buy compared to last year for trend products.
- Based in the district of Sonneberg, Thuringia, Lauscha is famously known as the birthplace of the Christmas tree bauble, with a history spanning over 170 years of glass Christmas decoration production.
- To ensure affordability and keep the region appealing, Helmut Bartholmes guarantees to only increase retailer and wholesaler prices by 20%, while maintaining the same price for customers visiting the Erfurt Christmas market.
Source: www.stern.de
