Erfurt's shopping hearts break: traditional shops close forever!

Erfurt's shopping hearts break: traditional shops close forever!

Schlösserstraße 20, 99084 Erfurt, Deutschland - In Erfurt's city center, it becomes increasingly quieter. Many long -term businesses disappear around the Anger. Among the companies already closed are the fashion market "only" and the fashion jewelry chain "Claire’s", which were known to the audience. There was a change in Schlösserstraße 20: The former shop “Brink” relocated to a larger area on the cathedral square last year. These changes are part of a larger trend that has a lasting impact on the Erfurt shopping landscape.

After "Rewa Timecheck", a jewelry and watch service, took over the area, he had to close again after a few months. A wholesaler from the region, natural food, rented the area in December 2024, but closed his business at the end of May 2025. Originally, the area was only rented for the rent, but the rental period was extended, which increased the uncertainties in the retaillary landscape.

art and culture in difficult times

On June 11, 2023, the previously used shop area was converted into an art project. The art project 2.13 brings creative works by the artists: inside the city center and creates space for cultural encounters. This initiative takes place in the middle of the challenges of business closures and is intended to revitalize the cityscape. The CityManagement Erfurt is still looking for a subsequent tenant to reactivate the area for retail.

The Krämerbrückenfest, one of the most important events in the city, has just closed its doors. It turned the historic old town around the Krämerbrücke into a lively festival mile and offered music, theater, handicrafts and regional cuisine. Visitors were able to discover that Erfurt is not only a city with a moving past, but also with a living present. Next year, Erfurt will celebrate the 49th Krämerbrückenfest, which takes place from June 19 to 21, 2026 and will certainly offer great experiences for young and old again, because the atmosphere is characterized by joie de vivre and cultural exchange.

Overview of urban development

As far as the current situation of urban development is concerned, the current data show that changes are also due in Erfurt. The Federal Government's urban development report emphasizes that the demand for living space exceeds the new building capacities. While big cities are attracting more and more people, many families move to the surrounding area. These trends could even increase due to the Corona crisis. Erfurt faces the challenge of covering the living requirement while the smaller cities grow and are less stressed.

In addition, the federal government tries to support social housing and urban development through financial subsidies. Over 790 million euros annually flow into projects that also take climate protection and sustainable development into account. This could make the city of Erfurt well positioned to meet the challenges of the coming years and continue to remain an attractive place to live and work.

Overall, it can be seen that the changes in the shops in the shops also play an important role in addition to the art project in order to continue to keep the city center alive and inviting. The city is required to develop innovative concepts in order to support both retailers, residents and visitors. The organizer of the Krämerbrückenfestes provides information about the celebrations. You can find out more about the urban development report on of the Federal Government .