Weimar loses popular toy store: closure at the end of the year!

Weimar loses popular toy store: closure at the end of the year!

In the heart of Germany there is a shadow over the once thriving toy shops: more and more shops are closing their doors, and the reasons are varied. A particularly striking example is “Michael’s Toyland” in Weimar, Thuringia. Owner Michael Rott decided to give up his business at the end of the year after 33 years after declining sales, exacerbated by the corona pandemic and the growing pressure of online trading, became noticeable. The store was a popular point of contact for families and kindergartens and was home to a loyal customer base who remained loyal to it for many years. Despite this difficult decision, Rott, which will keep its doors open until then with a 40 percent discount on items, looks back positively on the last three decades. Unsold goods should be donated to kindergartens and loyal customers.

But Weimar is not the only city affected by this wave of “shop deaths”. The toy retailers in Bodenfelde also have to face reality. Tanja Steinhaus also plans to close her business by the end of the year. The business, which she took over 12 years ago, has now been running for 32 years. The pressure of online trading is also noticeable here. An incident in which a customer showed a product in the store but had already ordered online left a lasting impression on Steinhaus. Despite expert advice and the effort to offer an attractive range, there is often little left over financially. The situation is so tense that she has the impression that the business has almost degenerated into a hobby, which takes its toll at the end of the month when not even the minimum wage is paid.

The support of neighbors

The partner store “Bookworm” in Uslar is also affected. Elke Andauer plans to set up a toy corner in her shop if the “toy shop” closes. This shows that despite the difficult situation, interest in toys and personal advice remains high.

A look at the industry

Overall, this development is reflected in the positioning of the entire toy industry. In 2024, sales for the German market were around 4.4 billion euros, which represents a decline compared to the years before the pandemic. Nevertheless, the industry's total turnover remains enormous. In 2024, the toy industry will see sales of nearly $119 billion worldwide, with the United States representing the largest market. The number of toy manufacturers in Germany has fallen to 619, and the decline in sales is most noticeable here, especially in small, local shops. However, LEGO remains the undefeated manufacturer worldwide with the highest sales, followed by Mattel and Hasbro, while Ravensburger achieved record sales of around 790 million euros in 2024.

It remains to be hoped that new ways can be found in Weimar and Bodenfelde to support the remaining toy shops, which not only sell goods, but also offer a piece of quality of life and community. Events, individual advice and creative offers could perhaps help to turn the corner.

What happens next remains to be seen. One thing is clear, however: times for small shops are more challenging than ever - and the question remains as to how long traditional toy retailers can withstand this pressure.

You can find out more about these developments and the toy industry in the articles from Thuringia24, HNA and Statista.