Rhynern Friday market closes forever: regular customers are shocked!

Rhynern Friday market closes forever: regular customers are shocked!

The small Friday market in Rhynern, which has been appreciated by many citizens over the last two years, will open its doors for the last time on October 31st. This news caused disappointment and shock among regular customers. Ute Kostedde from Metzgerwagen Hof May conveyed the sad occasion to regular visitors after the decision to close was made last Friday. The reason for this development is primarily due to a noticeable decline in visitor numbers in the last few weeks, as reported by both the market's fisherwoman, Peter Viertmann, and the butcher Hof May, both of whom will be closing their stands but will remain present at other locations.

The Friday market, which took place every Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., was launched in 2023 on the initiative of the then district mayor Andreas Obering. The aim at the time was to create a range of fresh, regional products close to home in order to counteract competition from supermarkets and modern shopping trends. But as is now clear, the economic challenges and changing shopping habits could not be overcome. According to the traders, sales were below 50 percent of the required level, which ultimately led to the difficult decision to close the market.

Many feel the loss

The puzzled regulars are now forced to move their purchases to Drensteinfurt in order to continue to get regional meat. “That’s a real shame,” said one affected customer, “because we’ve always enjoyed shopping here.” The local fruit and vegetable stalls have also noticed the decline in customers. However, Viertmann will still be represented in Hammer city center, and the Metzgerwagen Hof May also has alternatives in Drensteinfurt.

The experiences at this particular weekly market also reflect a broader problem, as the study by Prof. Dr. Guido Mehlkop and Dr. Robert Neumann from Erfurt shows. They examined purchasing behavior at weekly markets and found that many people value the advantages of these markets, which offer organic products from regional producers. However, factors such as limited opening hours and dependence on the weather prevent many from doing their shopping there regularly. It is these inconveniences that are significantly increasing the decline in visits to markets like in Rhynern.

A fairy tale comes to an end

The city council members and fellow citizens in Rhynern regret the end of the Friday market. In addition to a variety of emotions, the last markets will also be the last opportunities for providers to present their alternatives to loyal customers in the surrounding markets. The plan is to distribute business cards that will provide information about other locations to support customers in this transition phase.

This closes another chapter in the history of the markets in Hamm-Rhynern. The closure of the popular market is not only a loss for the local community, but also raises questions about the future of small, regional markets at a time when large supermarkets and online shopping are becoming increasingly important.

The opportunity to buy fresh, seasonal and local products will therefore remain a valuable but increasingly difficult option for many citizens.

For more information about the Rhynern Market Farewell, check out calf over. For details on the economic background and other facts, visit lippewelle.de and for more comprehensive insights into weekly markets in general, we recommend uni-erfurt.de.