In Erfurt: Close legendary shops - what is behind it?

In Erfurt: Close legendary shops - what is behind it?

Schlösserstraße 20, 99084 Erfurt, Deutschland - In the city center of Erfurt, things are not going particularly well. Especially around the popular Anger, several shops have recently been closed, which leaves a queasy feeling among residents and visitors. The clothing store "Only" has already closed its doors, and the fashion jewelry chain "Claire’s" also surprisingly pulled the plug. There was also a change on Schlösserstraße 20: The former shop "Brink" moved to larger rooms on the cathedral square last year. The jewelry and watch service "Rewa Timecheck" took its place, which, however, had to close again after a few months.

The situation on the retail market is not exactly rosy. The Corona crisis has additionally burdened the already tense business. Many retailers report a noticeable loss of attractiveness of the city centers. The shopping behavior has changed a lot, especially for younger generations. According to current surveys, the proportion of under 30 year olds who appreciate the city center for shopping fell from 75% in 2015 to only 40% in 2021. This not only brings long -established business in distress, but also leads to a falling interest in conventional sales locations.

new momentum through art

The City management Erfurt still tries to bring a fresh air to the industry. Since June 11, 2023, 20 works of art have been exhibited in the free trade area in Schlösserstrasse - part of the art project 2.13, which was launched to match the Krämerbrückenfest. This artistic initiative could perhaps help to lure more people into the inner city gates. The creative event has always inspired many visitors in the past and was accompanied by music, theater and regional cuisine, which also contributes to the general joie de vivre. The next Krämerbrückenfest will take place according to schedule from June 19 to 21, 2026 and will be the 49th of its kind.

Rows of closures, such as those of "Best Ramp", which at the end of May, despite initial hopes, closed the gates again, show that the challenges are still great. Customers not only want an attractive shopping landscape, but also new places to linger and interweave social contacts. A good 45% of those surveyed attach great importance to the fact that there are more places, while at the same time the desire for more green areas and less car traffic in the city center are strengthened.

The developments in retail are an expression of a greater change that does not leave the Erfurt city center untouched. Around 47 branches of Galeria-Karstadt-Kaufhof are faced with the closure, another indication of the problems with which inner cities are struggling across the country. The challenges are diverse: changing buying behavior by online trading, demographic changes and, last but not least, inflationary consumer mood has profound effects on inpatient retail.

While the city management is looking for new tenants for the closed shops, it remains to be hoped that initiatives such as the Krämerbrückenfest and art projects not only provide enthusiasm at short notice, but also help to revive the attractiveness of the city center of Erfurt. After all, the desire for a lively coexistence and a colorful hustle and bustle in the old town remains a main pillar for all Erfurt