Eimsbüttel in the crisis: Toy shop closes after over 20 years!

The toy shop "Playground" in the Karl Schneider passages in Eimsbüttel closes after over 20 years of operation. This was announced via the Instagram social media platform. Owner Catrin Markhoff-Baumbach did not comment on the reasons for the closure, but said goodbye to the customers for their loyalty and the shared experiences.

The business task regretted many customers who appreciated the competent advice and service of the toy shop. The shop remains open until the end of February, so that loyal customers have the opportunity to say goodbye to their favorite business. The future of commercial space is currently unclear.

challenges for retail

The closure of the toy shop is not to be considered isolated, since other retailers and restaurateurs in the area also fight serious problems, partly due to construction sites in Osterstrasse. According to Til Bernstein, chairman of the Interest Group on Osterstraße e.V., the construction site is "threatening to exist" for the local business. Last summer, the fashion shop "Faire Fritzi" stopped the company due to similar crises.

At the broader level, retail in Hamburg, especially in Eimsbüttel, is confronted with challenges such as high rents, increasing online trading and insufficient support on the part of the city. Helmut Hofer, owner of the OK Leder shop, reports of falling sales and rising rental costs, while Christoph Thiele from the Center for Economic Development, Building and Environment Eimsbüttel criticizes the profit orientation of many landlords.

In view of these circumstances, the Hamburg Economic Authority is working on a funding program to support retail, which includes strategic neighborhood management. However, it remains unclear whether these planned measures actually pose help for the business.