Election Day Mall Sales Plummet 18% Compared to 2022
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Mall sales in Israel dropped by 18% on election day compared to 2022, and by 30% in real terms due to inflation. Retailers cited economic hardship and shopper apprehension for the decline. However, compared to average daily sales in 2026, shopping centers saw an overall increase of 140%.
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- Mall sales fell 18% on election day compared to 2022, a 30% real drop after inflation.
- Retailers reported a subdued atmosphere and shopper apprehension on election day.
- Economic factors like job losses and rising prices are blamed for the sales decline.
- Sales increased 140% compared to average daily sales in the first three quarters of 2026.
- Specific shopping centers reported significant sales surges on election day.
Despite reports of high foot traffic and increased credit card purchases on election day, mall sales experienced a significant drop of approximately 18% compared to the previous election day on November 1, 2022. This decline is even more pronounced when adjusted for inflation, representing a real decrease of about 30% after accounting for an 11.9% price index increase since 2022. Retailers confirmed these figures, noting a lack of festive atmosphere and a sense of apprehension among shoppers, contrasting with the more buoyant mood during local authority elections.
Industry insiders attribute the downturn to economic factors such as job losses since 2023, rising prices across sectors, and a decrease in disposable income for the public. One retailer reported only a 1% increase in sales compared to the 2022 election day, despite population growth in Israel from 9.6 million in 2022 to 10.3 million currently. However, the Central Bureau of Statistics indicates that 260,000 people have left the country since 2023.
When compared to the average daily sales for the first three quarters of 2026, the picture is more optimistic, showing increases of around 140% in shopping centers. Power centers saw an average rise of 160%, and regional malls 150%. Notably, Star Center in Ashdod and Nahariya reported sales surges of approximately 300% and 270% respectively, with other centers like Sha'ar HaTzafon Mall, Big Kiryat Shmona, and Emek Center Afula also showing significant increases of around 240%.
