Ludwigsfelde weekly market: Seniors complain about price increases!

Ludwigsfelde weekly market: Seniors complain about price increases!

The weekly market in Ludwigsfelde has its own character - local villagers meet here and enjoy the personal atmosphere that is often missing in supermarkets. The market stalls on the corner of Potsdamer Straße and Rathausstraße are open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seniors in particular appreciate the fresh offerings and the traditional shopping culture, as around 90% of customers come from the older generation. The market is so important to the community that even 71-year-old Thomas Gerbing emphasizes how essential the visit is for retirees.

Robust and diverse, the market stalls offer a wide range of products, from vegetables to baked goods to everyday items. Robert Lisieizchaczewscki, for example, has been selling Polish food, especially eggs, for four years. He reports that prices on the market have risen by almost 40% in the last four years - a circumstance linked to higher electricity and demurrage charges. The sharply rising purchasing prices are not making things easy for retailers, which is clearly shown by the example of Godat Zakría, who has been selling fruit and vegetables since 1998 and has observed a decline in demand.

Rising prices and their consequences

The rising prices are also having an impact on those cooking at home. A cucumber now costs 65 cents to buy instead of just 30 cents. These price increases not only affect retailers, but also customers, who increasingly have to pay attention to what is on offer. While fresh baked goods such as Eastern rolls are available on the market for as little as 30 cents and are baked using traditional methods, customers' purchasing power is increasingly being challenged.

The operator of the market, Simolke Marktdesign, is satisfied with the current situation, despite the challenges. He notes that Wednesday tends to be the better market day. In contrast to other communities such as Großbeeren or Luckau, which are experiencing economic difficulties, the market in Ludwigsfelde remains an important social meeting place where people meet not only to shop but also to exchange ideas.

Market through the ages

The weekly market in Ludwigsfelde also reflects a larger trend in Germany. According to Statista, weekly and farmers markets are becoming increasingly popular. In recent years, the number of people buying food for their household at these markets has steadily increased. Consumers value the regionality and quality of the products they can purchase there. This could be crucial in the future to get younger generations interested in the market again, who may not cook as freshly.

The Evangelical Parish Church of St. Michael from the 1950s and the Kristall Wohlfühltherme underline the cozy flair of Ludwigsfeld. With around 27,000 residents and a lively community, the city has established itself as an unofficial medium-sized town in the Teltow-Fläming district.

What is happening on the market shows not only the economic challenges, but also the efforts to form a solid community. Linked to the history and social life of the city, the weekly market remains an important element for Ludwigsfelde.