Weimar loses Kult-Schatz: Toy country closes after 33 years!

Weimar loses Kult-Schatz: Toy country closes after 33 years!

Weimar, Deutschland - In the past few months, a questionable trend has become noticeable in Germany's inner cities: more and more shops have to be closed. This becomes painfully visible, not least due to the recent news from Thuringia: the popular toy shop "Michael’s Toy Land" in the "Atrium" shopping center in Weimar closes its doors after 33 years. As a farewell, there is a final sale with a whopping 40 percent discount, in which loyal regular customers, including many kindergartens, can get their money's worth. Owner Michael Rott is optimistic despite the closure and likes to look back on the past few years in which he was able to enjoy many families in the heart of the city.

The reasons for the end are alarming. Runs of sales during Corona pandemic, paired with the increasingly dominant online trade, have been busy with retail. According to the Germany (HDE) trade association (HDE), around 4,500 shops in Germany have to close their doors, which HDE President Alexander von Preen describes as "dramatic". Of the once 370,000 shops in Germany, there are now only about 300,000 left. This not only lost long -established shops, but also numerous jobs - in the event of "Michael’s toy" five in number.

The background: effects of pandemic

Corona pandemic played a central role in the closures. The first nationwide lockdown was decided in March 2020 and brought terrible drops in sales for many retailers. Although business was allowed to open again in April, the city centers often remained empty. The negative effects of the Lockdown particularly felt the non-food retail and gastronomy. The Trade Association Germany estimated that the retail trade had losses of almost one billion euros daily, during the closings in 2020. This all left unmistakable fears and uncertainties among the dealers who still have an impact.

In addition, there is a "cloudy" consumption mood, which, according to ZDF stock exchange expert Valerie Haller, is partly reinforced by the Ukraine War. In addition, the retail trade had to close around 5,000 shops last year, which only tightened the situation. In some cases, innovative solutions, such as reduced rents in places such as Wipperfürth, helped avoid vacancy. But skepticism remains among the dealers who want more support from the upcoming federal government in order to be better in the future.

A look at the future

The situation on the retail market remains tense. Although the HDE assumes that retail could record growth again in early 2025, many dealers are skeptical about this forecast. Adaptations of the rental models, investment incentives and more responsibility for the cities to attractiveness of their centers are required so that the inner cities will not bleed away further and that Frésh shopping will be possible in the future.

A look at "Michael’s toy" shows us impressively how important inpatient retail is for the cityscape. Loyal customers and a long tradition shape this special place - it remains to be hoped that fluctuations on the market and economic challenges cannot find too many imitators.