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Flower shop in Wittstock closes: customers save money, competition grows!
Cathrin Niemann closes her flower shop in Wittstock. Rising costs and loss of purchasing power as reasons. Discounts on decorative items.
Flower shop in Wittstock closes: customers save money, competition grows!
Cathrin Niemann, owner of the flower and floristry shop on Königstrasse in Wittstock, has made the sad decision to close her shop at the end of November. The 30-year tradition that she began in her mother's flower shop and continued in her own name in 2019 is now coming to an abrupt end. The economic challenges, which are primarily characterized by increased operating costs and declining personnel, have made the business unprofitable. “Customers save on flowers and buy mainly on special occasions,” reports Niemann in an interview.
With a price of 20 euros for a flower bowl, there is often hardly half left over as income. This shows how tense the situation is for many retailers struggling in the current economic climate. According to the chairman of the Wittstock SME Association, Detlef Beuß, there has been a significant decline in purchasing power. Competition from supermarkets that offer flowers at cheaper prices also represents a major challenge. In addition, many customers see parking options in the city center as extremely problematic, which makes it easier for them to decide to shop in stores without free parking.
An undeniable challenge
Annett Passow, the operator of another flower shop, expresses her regret about the closure: "It's really a shame; many people are saving on luxury items like bouquets of flowers." In addition to the challenges in sales, Niemann also sees an injustice caused by flower and plant dealers at the weekly market who do not have to pay stand fees. These conditions make it difficult for retailers to compete.
Cathrin Niemann already has plans for the future. She would like to get involved in the social sector and is interested in new employment. It remains to be hoped that with her next step she will demonstrate a good hand and be able to leave the challenges of the last few years behind her.
Meanwhile, customers who are still looking for a beautiful bouquet of flowers or want to purchase decorative items can benefit from a 30 percent discount before the store's door finally closes. It is a further step in Wittstock's changing retail landscape, where it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain brick-and-mortar retail.
With the closure of their business, an era that encompasses both personal and economic aspects comes to an end. Customers who appreciated Cathrin Niemann's flower shop will miss her, because the small shop was not only a place for sales, but also a part of the community.