Suche
Mein Konto
Abt department store in Ulm closes after 146 years: a loss for the city!
The traditional Abt department store in Ulm is closing after 146 years due to the changed competitive situation.
Abt department store in Ulm closes after 146 years: a loss for the city!
An era is coming to an end: the traditional Abt department store in Ulm is closing its doors after 146 years. The decision was made on Wednesday evening after the store closed, when the approximately 50 employees present were informed of their fate at 7:30 p.m. A moving moment that caused many tears and consternation, as many employees have spent their entire careers in this branch.
The department store was founded in 1879 by Carl Abt as a hardware store. Over time, the range expanded to include household goods, toys and stationery. From straw wreaths to razors to high-quality tableware sets – there was something for everyone at Abt. The senior generation in particular valued the department store as an indispensable point of contact, similar to what Amazon represents for younger people. The closure is not only a loss for customers, but also for the city center, where retail is under increasing pressure.
Changed competitive situation
The takeover by the Müller drugstore in 2018 was already a sign of the difficulties the department store was experiencing. After bankruptcy, this solution initially seemed promising, but the independent department store concept proved to be unsustainable. “The changed competitive situation,” says Müller, is forcing closure. Competition from online retail and falling customer volumes are contributing to the increasingly difficult market environment.
There is a worrying trend in downtown Ulm and numerous other cities: more and more retailers are giving up. According to current statistics, younger people are increasingly less interested in shopping in the city. In 2015, 75% of people under 30 valued the city center as a place to shop; in 2021 it was only 40%. Consumer behavior has changed, and the corona pandemic has further intensified this development. Clothing and electronics in particular are now more frequently purchased online.
Impact on the workforce and the city center
In the closure meeting, employees expressed their concerns about the future. Many of them not only fear for their existence, but also for the face of the city center. Mayor Martin Ansbacher spoke of the need for a suitable subsequent use of the building. If a historic department store like Abt closes, the city center risks losing its attractiveness.
There are offers for employees to be taken on in other branches, but the details have not yet been announced. The closure is not only an economic cut, but also an emotional one. The staff has developed strong bonds with customers over the years, and the loyalty of the older clientele reflects the quality and trust that the department store has exuded for more than a century.
The Kaufhaus-Abt is another example of how shopping culture is changing. The city center is expected to become less important, but many people still want a lively shopping experience that also includes restaurants and leisure activities. The department store was not only a place for shopping, but also a meeting place for many people of different generations.
Finally, we can only hope that the city and those responsible will find a solution to give the empty property a new life. Because what people in urban centers want is more than just a place to shop - it's about quality of life, community and identity.