Traffic chaos in Rottweil: More shops closing! What now?

Traffic chaos in Rottweil: More shops closing! What now?

In Rottweil, retailers are facing a new challenge caused by a change in traffic routing. The city administration is planning to lead Friedrichsplatz out of town in a single lane. This measure could have serious consequences for the local business community. Once again, it becomes more difficult for customers to reach stores. How Black Forest messenger reported, Hochbrücktorstrasse will be accessible via complicated detours, for example via Seehof. Many fear that customers will not even drive into the new parking garage and then stroll to the shops in the city.

These uncertainties are already leading to more stores having to close. The closures pose the risk that Rottweil's city center will increasingly struggle with vacancies. A problem that not only affects Rottweil, but also many other cities. Retail across the country is in transition. There is a lot of movement, especially in the city centers - and not always for the good of the local retailers.

Decline in inner-city trade

The image of retail has changed dramatically in recent years. A survey shows that the proportion of people under 30 who value the city center as a shopping location has fallen from 75% in 2015 to just 40% in 2021. The causes are diverse: long-term changes in consumer behavior, uncertain consumer sentiment and, last but not least, the Corona crisis have exacerbated the situation. How Statista As noted, many department stores and department stores can no longer compete with the rapidly growing online trade.

The negative effects of the so-called “doughnut effect” cannot be overlooked. More and more consumers are tending to do their shopping in suburbs and residential areas, while inner cities are becoming less attractive. Loud RW2028 Many retailers have already made it clear that they will have to fight the current conditions to keep their businesses running.

Consumer wants and needs

The future of retail in city centers will be shaped by changing customer behavior. Consumers want a stronger mix of functions that combines shopping, living, working and dining. Around 45% of those surveyed would like more places to hang out and meet friends in the city center. But the demands on the quality of stay are increasing: more green spaces, less car traffic and inexpensive parking spaces are required. Although 35% are against a car-free city center, one in two people are in favor of affordable parking and 38% would like nearby parking spaces.

The developments in Rottweil and other cities clearly show that the future of retail requires a rethink. Retailers have to adapt in order to survive the competition. Otherwise they will face the challenge of more and more shops closing and the city center losing its vitality.