Breaking news

Holiday Consumer Spending Remains Robust Amid Festive Optimism

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 5, 2026

Steady Growth in Holiday Sales

Recent data indicate that holiday shopping activity has not only maintained robust levels but also outperformed previous years during the festive season and as the New Year approaches. According to Stephanos Koursaris, General Manager of POVEK, consumer demand has particularly been strong for essential goods.

Impact of Seasonal Changes

Koursaris explained that the downturn in temperatures and change in weather conditions have favored other sectors as well, notably apparel and footwear. The colder climate has spurred a broader engagement across industries beyond just necessities, contributing to an overall positive market sentiment.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Anticipation of Discounted Purchases

In a market where consumers traditionally await the discount season to expand their purchases, Koursaris noted that this festive period has been buoyed by the general atmosphere associated with the holiday season. The cultural traditions surrounding Christmas and New Year celebrations in Cyprus have significantly influenced spending patterns, as families invest in holiday menus, gatherings, and seasonal attire.

Consumer Priorities During Festivities

When questioned about price sensitivity and its impact on the market, Koursaris remarked that precision in consumer spending takes a back seat during such festive periods. Consumers, driven by the needs of their households, tend to prioritize timely and essential purchases even if it means resorting to conservative shopping practices in some instances.

Conclusion

Overall, the festive mood combined with deep-rooted cultural practices has fostered an environment conducive to healthy consumer activity. While some segments of the market have depended on more measured purchasing, the holiday season has undeniably delivered a satisfying and successful retail period.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Posts Record Annual Growth In Q4 2025, Outpacing EU Peers

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 16, 2026

Record Annual Growth In Q4 2025

According to Eurostat, Cyprus posted the strongest annual GDP growth among EU member states with available data in the fourth quarter of 2025. The economy expanded by 4.5% year on year, underscoring sustained economic momentum. Quarterly, GDP also advanced by 1.4% compared with the previous quarter, reinforcing the picture of steady expansion toward the end of the year.

Moderate Economic Expansion In The Eurozone And The EU

Across the euro area and the wider European Union, growth remained considerably more modest. Seasonally adjusted GDP in the eurozone increased by 0.3% quarter on quarter in Q4 2025, matching the 0.3% rise recorded across the EU. In the preceding quarter, growth reached 0.3% in the eurozone and 0.4% in the EU.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

On an annual basis, GDP rose by 1.3% in the eurozone and 1.5% in the EU during Q4 2025, slightly below the 1.4% and 1.6% increases registered in the previous quarter. For the full year 2025, preliminary estimates point to average growth of 1.5% in the eurozone and 1.6% in the EU, based on seasonally and calendar-adjusted data.

Marginal Increase In Employment

Labour market figures show a gradual but positive movement. In the fourth quarter of 2025, employment in both the eurozone and the EU rose by 0.2% compared with the prior quarter. Year-on-year employment gains reached 0.6% in the eurozone and 0.7% across the EU. Projections for the full year indicate overall employment growth of 0.7% in the eurozone and 0.5% in the EU.

Overall, the data highlight Cyprus’s notably faster growth pace relative to the European average, pointing to strong domestic performance even as broader regional expansion continues at a measured rate.