Purchase power in Vogelsberg: How Alsfeld's inner cities want to survive

Purchase power in Vogelsberg: How Alsfeld's inner cities want to survive

The mobility of customers in the small towns in Vogelsbergkreis, especially in Alsfeld and Lauterbach, is currently the focus of an investigation by the trade association. Despite the challenges for the inner city transactions, many residents are optimistic. A study showed that 70 percent of residents in small and medium-sized cities consider their place of residence to be an attractive shopping location. This is confirmed by the city leaders who highlight the advantages of the short distances and the appealing urban design.

Many consumers are drawn into the city centers, where they not only appreciate the comfortable accessibility and the pleasant ambience, but also the good clarity of the shops. A survey has shown that 60 percent of those surveyed go to the city centers because of the short distances and 49 percent because of the attractive atmosphere. The most popular excursion destinations are supermarkets and drugstores, where everyday food purchases are done. Especially in the run -up to Christmas, the city center is increasingly visited to buy gifts, which is also evident in the increase in the audience at urban events.

The mayors of Alsfeld and Lauterbach, Stephan Paule and Rainer-Hans Vollmöller emphasize the importance of the event offers to attract additional customers. Festures such as the children's festival and various markets are intended to create an appealing environment that attracts both locals and tourists. According to Vollmöller, good gastronomy is crucial for the length of stay of the visitors.

Ute Eisenach of ASCHTACHT, a community of single dealers, emphasizes the positive aspects of local shopping. However, she emphasizes that inner city transactions are dependent on customers from the area to survive. The activities of the city and the dealer, such as the introduction of the "ALS credit" card, enliven the economy and show the first successes: This initiative has already brought an annual turnover of 400,000 euros for the shops.

Of course, online trading is not disregarded. Eisenach admits that more and more people are making their purchases on the Internet. This development burdens the local shops, which are still trying to score with creative promotions and offers. "Urban trade is the heart of the city - a city dies without business," she warns.

Overall, the surveys of the trade association not only illuminate the current challenges for trade in small and medium-sized towns, but also show that there are opportunities to cope with them. Initiatives for better accessibility and appealing events are essential factors to strengthen local trade. The cities in the Vogelsberg district rely on a good mix of tradition and innovation and try to create a shopping atmosphere that attracts both local and external visitors.

Again and again it is emphasized that the cooperation between the city administration and retail is essential for the future of trade. Future studies and reports should provide more precise data in order to further improve shopping and staying quality and to strengthen local trade sustainably. The results of this cross -sectional analysis for Alsfeld and Lauterbach are eagerly awaited.