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

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

In the heart of Germany, there is a shadow over the once flourishing toy shop: more and more shops are closing their doors, and the reasons are varied. A particularly conspicuous example is "Michael’s Toy Land" in Weimar, Thuringia. Owner Michael Rott has decided to give up his business at the end of the year after 33 years after revenue declines, reinforced by the corona pandemic and the growing pressure of online trading, became noticeable. The shop was a popular point of contact for families and kindergartens and houses a loyal regular customer that has remained loyal to him for many years. Rott, who until then keeps his doors open to the items with a discount of 40 percent, looks back on the past three decades despite this difficult decision. Unsigned goods are to be donated to kindergartens and loyal customers.

But Weimar is not the only city affected by this wave of “shopping death”. The toy dealers in Bodenfelde also have to face reality. Tanja Steinhaus also plans to close her business by the end of the year. Her business she took over 12 years ago has existed for 32 years. Here, too, the pressure of the online trade is noticeable. An incident in which a customer showed a product in the shop but had already ordered online made a lasting impression at Steinhaus. Despite expert advice and the effort to offer an appealing range, there is often little left over financially. The location is so tense that it has the impression that the business has almost deteriorated to a hobby, which takes revenge at the end of the month, since the minimum wage does not even jump out.

The support of neighbors

The “Bookworm” dating business in Uslar is also affected. Elke Interior plans to set up a toy corner in her shop should the “toy business” close. This shows that despite the difficult situation, interest in toys and personal advice is still high.

A look at the industry

Overall, this development is reflected in the list of the entire toy industry. In 2024, sales for the German market was around 4.4 billion euros, which represents a decline compared to the years before pandemic. Nevertheless, the total turnover of the industry remains tremendous. In 2024, the toy industry recognizes sales of almost $ 119 billion worldwide, with the United States being the largest market. The number of toy manufacturers in Germany has dropped to 619, and the declines of sales are most clearly noticeable, especially in small, local shops. Lego, however, remains undefeated by Mattel and Hasbro, followed by Mattel and Hasbro, while Ravensburger achieved a record turnover of around 790 million euros in 2024.

So it remains to be hoped that new ways can also be found in Weimar and Bodenfelde to support the remaining toy transactions that not only sell goods, but also offer a piece of quality of life and community. Events, individual advice and creative offers might help to get the curve.

How it goes on remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the times of the small shops are more challenging than ever - and the question remains how long the traditional toy dealers can still withstand this pressure.

More on these developments and the toy industry can be found in the articles of , hna and Statista .