The last toy paradise in Weimar closes: 40% discount until December!

The last toy paradise in Weimar closes: 40% discount until December!

A traditional toy store in the heart of Weimar will soon close its doors. “Michael's Toyland” in the “Atrium” shopping center has decided to close its business at the end of the year in view of falling sales and the pressing competition from online retail. However, the owner, Michael Rott, who has been running the shop with great dedication for 33 years, looks back positively on the past few years. “I had the privilege of building a loyal customer base,” said Rott and announced a big sale with up to 40 percent off. Unfortunately, the closure is not just a personal decision, but also the result of a comprehensive structural change in the retail sector [thueringen24.de](https://www.thueringen24.de/weimar/article300420119/thueringen-laden-schliessung-spielwaren-weimar-ladens- Nimm-lassen-ladendenken-gezaehlt.html).

With the closure of the toy store, five employees will also lose their jobs, which makes the situation even more regrettable. In particular, the unsold items, which include popular family games and fidget spinners, may be donated, especially to local kindergartens that could really use the support. The corona pandemic had already taken a toll on the business and the current development in consumer habits is also making life difficult for traditional shops.

Another chapter closes

The situation is similar in Bodenfelde in Lower Saxony, where Tanja Steinhaus will run her toy shop after 12 years. She also feels the great pressure from the Internet and reports that fewer and fewer customers are willing to shop in stores. “People look at the products and then order online,” she explains frustratedly. Despite their expertise and the items that are always in stock, there is hardly anything left financially. Her “birthday box” campaign, where children can choose gifts in the store, is still continuing, but she feels more and more like she is on a sinking ship [hna.de](https://www.hna.de/lokales/uslar-solling/ toysgeschaeft-schliesst-92430920.html).

Steinhaus' husband, Marc, underlines the problem that toys such as Schleich animals, Lego and Playmobil are now even available in hardware stores, which increases the pressure of competition. The situation is so tense that she can barely earn more than the minimum wage. The measures taken during the Corona period, such as a delivery service, were also unable to attract the usual purchases. “It feels like the business is just a hobby,” admits Steinhaus.

A change in trade

The closure of these stores is part of a gradual shift being felt by many brick-and-mortar retailers across the country. The changing consumer behavior and the convenience of online shopping are causing the stores to encounter problems not only in Weimar and Bodenfelde, but also in many other regions. Owners and employees of these traditional businesses must consider how they will respond to the challenges in order not to go under.

Another example of the decline in retail is the “Bookworm” bookstore in Uslar. Its owner, Elke Andauer, has already expressed interest in creating a toy corner in her store to expand the range and attract new customers. Change remains a challenge that presents many companies with an uncertain future [hna.de](https://www.hna.de/lokales/uslar-solling/ toysgeschaeft-schliesst-92430920.html).