Schuh Graf reports bankruptcy: 27 branches remain open!

Schuh Graf reports bankruptcy: 27 branches remain open!

Schuh Graf GmbH & Co. KG from Fellbach, a traditional third-generation family business, filed for self-administration insolvency on June 12, 2025. The application was approved by the Stuttgart District Court in order to stabilize and secure business operations in the long term. The company, which was founded in 1938 by Julius Graf, operates 27 branches that sell shoes under the brand names Schuh-Mann and QUICK SCHUH and employs around 160 people.

The bankruptcy announcement is part of a growing trend as other shoe retailers such as Görtz and Onygo also experience similar difficulties. Industry experts are observing a challenging market environment characterized by changing consumer habits, high competitive pressure and rising costs. Steffen Beck will work for Schuh Graf as a restructuring expert from the Pluta law firm and will support the management during the process. Dr. Tibor Daniel Braun was appointed as provisional administrator.

Current measures and security

Despite the bankruptcy filing, sales continue without restrictions in all 27 branches. The employees' wages and salaries are secured by insolvency money for the next three months, which should offer employees a certain level of security during this uncertain time. The branches are mainly located in Baden-Württemberg, with two exceptions in Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse.

Managing director Götz M. Graf is optimistic about the company's restructuring prospects. In an increasingly competitive market that is pressured by online trading and reluctance to buy, Schuh Graf is focusing on a realignment in order to be able to be successful in business again in the future.

The challenges for companies like Schuh Graf are not unique. In 2024, a total of 21,812 companies filed for bankruptcy in Germany, an increase of over 22% compared to the previous year. The reasons for these increases are both current and previous crises that have hit many companies hard. It is assumed that the number of bankruptcies could continue to rise, especially among companies that have already been on the market for several years.

Although bankruptcies are a serious situation, they are only one form of business closure. When looking at all closures, including those of formerly self-employed people, it becomes clear that bankruptcies are not the most common cause of business closures.

Overall, Schuh Graf GmbH & Co. KG is facing a critical phase and the industry is following developments closely. With the right approach, the company could turn things around and reassert itself in a highly competitive market.

Further information on this topic can be found at Vienna.at, [Merkur.de].