New supermarket in Atzel: Citizens have to buy 600 shares!

New supermarket in Atzel: Citizens have to buy 600 shares!

In the Atzel district in Landstuhl, a new supermarket is to be built. For ten years, the 3,150 inhabitants have no longer have a regular grocery store after the Wasgau market on Breslauer Straße was closed in May 2015 due to too low sales. Various attempts to find a replacement have so far failed. Mayor Mattia de Fazio now has the initiative for the settlement of

Aunt Enso combines the concept of a traditional corner shop with the service of an online supermarket that is open around the clock. This is particularly relevant in rural regions, where large supermarket chains are often not profitable. The new market is housed in the rooms of the former Wasgau market and has a sales area of ​​250 square meters. Around 3,500 items, including fresh goods, are offered there.

A wide citizen participation is required for the opening of Aunt Enso. 600 of the 3,150 inhabitants must purchase shares worth 100 euros. These shares are cancellable and inherited and offer the buyers advantage of the buyers through credits and purchasing credit. If the project does not come about, the 100 euros will be reimbursed. According to mdr , the cornering-sso model works according to a cooperative principle that ensures that the needs of the population are met.

The city wrote to all citizens and even produced a video to advertise the project. So far there has been a lot of interest, also from the neighboring communities. A citizens' meeting is planned for February 18 at 7 p.m. in the Pauluskirche Landstuhl-Zatel. There, the citizens have the opportunity to ask questions and to find out about the project.

challenges in rural regions

The situation in Atzel reflects a widespread problem in rural regions. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture that many rural areas suffer from the withdrawal of facilities for goods and services. Small shops with sales areas under 400 m² in particular lose importance, while large supermarkets are often only profitable on convenient locations. This means that two thirds of the residents of rural areas live more than 1,000 meters from the next grocery store.

For population groups that are not self -employed, such as older people or families with small children, this represents a special challenge. The initiative Aunt Enso could make an important contribution to improving local supply and ensure that basic care in Atzel is guaranteed. Depending on the building permit, the market could be opened until late summer. However, the success of the project will strongly depend on the participation of the citizens who will have to acquire the necessary shares in the next four weeks.