Schuhhaus Wendel in Karlstadt closes after 144 years - an era ends!
Schuhhaus Wendel in Karlstadt closes after 144 years - an era ends!
In the Franconian city of Karlstadt, a real institution will close its gates. The Schuhhaus Wendel, which has been based on the main street since 1880, will finally stop at the end of the year. The owner Martina Wendel announced that the last day of sale on December 31, 2024 will be an irrefutable date for a company that was part of the cityscape for 144 years.
The Wendel family, which runs the fourth generation business, ultimately had to face the reality of the changing market. Martina Wendel describes that the competition has increased significantly in recent years. This development is not the sole reason for the closure, but it played an important role. "The situation in retail is simply too tense," she says.
clearance sale signals the end of an era
The turn now is bitter sweet to Martina and Peter Wendel. While you are looking forward to your well -deserved retirement, sadness also swings with you. "We go with a laughing and a crying heart," explains the 63-year-old. Her husband Peter, who had been in business for a long time at the age of 66, shares this sentimental condition. "I have worked for 48 years, my husband 50 years - I think that's enough," she says pragmatically, even if the emotional connection to her business remains strong.
A future for the property is uncertain
With regard to the future use of the business space at Hauptstraße 71, nothing has yet been decided. According to Martina, there is currently no subsequent tenant, which brings further uncertainty. The closure is not only an individual fate, but also joins a number of similar stories of family -run shops in the region. Around a year and a half ago there was, for example, in Fürth to close a 128 -year -old shoe store, also characterized by emotional farewells.
The history of the Wendel shoe store is a symbol of the challenges that many retailers are facing today. The mixture of traditional trading business and modern demands on shopping experiences make it difficult for many to continue to exist. Despite all the difficulties, the Wendel family is optimistic about the new phase of life.
For more information about local economic developments and other news from the Main-Spessart area, I recommend a look at our local department. Also visited the detailed report on www.infranken.de .
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