Erfurt's retail sector in crisis: Popular stores are closing forever!

Erfurt's retail sector in crisis: Popular stores are closing forever!

Something is happening in Erfurt's city center, especially around the Anger: several long-standing businesses have closed. You could say there is something going on, because the clothing store “Only” has closed its doors and the popular costume jewelry chain “Claire’s” has also surprisingly closed. What's going on there? Well, there was recently a change in the storefront at Schlösserstrasse 20, and that is throwing many people's shopping habits into a bit of a crisis.

A look at the developments on Schlösserstrasse shows that there is a lot of moving happening here. It started with the former “Brink” store, which moved to a larger space on Domplatz last year. But immediately after moving out, the jewelry and watch service “Rewa TimeCheck” moved into the now vacant space, but, like many others, closed its doors again just a few months later. The Erfurt natural food wholesaler opened its doors in December 2024, but in February the store continued to operate under the name “Besterampe”. Unfortunately, this chapter ended at the end of May after a sale.

Changes in retail

The retail space for the organic store was only rented as an interim lease and the rental period was temporarily extended. However, since June 11, 2023, the area has shone in new splendor, as works of art are being exhibited here, in keeping with the popular Krämerbrückenfest, which ended this year. The art project 2.13 has used the space, but the Erfurt city management is still looking for a suitable new tenant for the valuable retail space.

The Krämerbrückenfest itself is now history, but many people remember it fondly. The 49th Krämerbrückenfest will take place from June 19th to 21st, 2026, and anticipation is already building. In the middle of Erfurt's old town, the festival transforms the streets into a pulsating festival mile. Thuringia's largest old town festival offers music, theater and regional culinary delights, with market stalls that have something for everyone. There is also a wide stage program and many little discoveries for adults and children.

View of urban development

At a time when cities like Erfurt are increasingly changing, the federal government's urban development report shows that large cities have been attracting more and more people for around 15 years. Almost 900,000 new arrivals between 2014 and 2018 are a clear sign of this development. Cities like Erfurt are also required to place a strong focus on improving the quality of life and the housing situation, even if only around 10 percent of people live in rural communities. The federal government has also committed to supporting local authorities with funding and promoting housing construction.

A particular focus is currently on activating building land and promoting sustainable urban development concepts. What plans and measures await us will be discussed again in the next urban development report in a few years. The signs are good that Erfurt will continue to develop positively and remain attractive for residents and visitors.