Suche
Mein Konto
Erfurt in turmoil: Long-standing businesses are closing – what happens now?
Erfurt: City center loses shops, new art project at the Krämerbrückenfest and high visitor satisfaction.
Erfurt in turmoil: Long-standing businesses are closing – what happens now?
The lights are going out in Erfurt's city center, especially around the Anger: some long-standing businesses have closed their doors. The clothing store “Only” has ceased operations, as has the popular costume jewelry chain “Claire’s”. Meanwhile, there is exciting business development to be observed at Schlösserstrasse 20. The “Brink” shop was located here for years, but had to move to Domplatz last year. After “Brink”, the jewelry and watch service “Rewa TimeCheck” moved in, but it only lasted a few months and closed again.
A glimmer of hope came in December 2024 when the Erfurt wholesaler Naturkost took over the space, which was then continued under the name “Besterampe” in February. Unfortunately, the store had to close its doors at the end of May. The space was only rented on an interim basis, and although the rental period was extended, the walls now remain silent again. Since June 11, 2023, works of art have been shining here, exhibited as part of the art project 2.13, in keeping with the lively Krämerbrückenfest, which now offers an inspiring cultural corner after the closure. The Erfurt city management is still determined to find a new tenant for the vacant retail space.
Krämerbrückenfest: A feast for the senses
Downtown: A lively center
The frequency in the city centers has now almost recovered, and Erfurt can not only look forward to increasing visitor numbers, but also to excellent reviews. According to a recent study, 88 percent of visitors rate the city center as “very good” or “good”. The attractiveness of the city center has achieved an average grade of 2.5 in the school grading system. Mayor Andreas Horn recently presented the positive results in the town hall, even if the worrying times for retailers do not seem to be completely over yet.
With this mix – of exciting festivals and challenging retail developments – Erfurt remains a vibrant place with much to offer for both residents and visitors. The people of Erfurt can be proud that their city continues to be a center of culture and encounters, even if some traditional shops have to give way.