Regional local supplier in St. Georgen: challenge and perspectives

Von WOM

In the small community of St. Georgen an der Leys in the Scheibbs district, the world is still okay when the local local supplier opens again at 2.30 p.m. after the lunch break. Agnes Halmer, the operator of the grocery store, took over the business four years ago after a successor was sought. Despite the difficulties that arise because many residents drive into the nearest city at their errands, she sticks to her business. "This is our challenge, but we also offer many regional products, which is a decisive advantage," says Halmer.

Customers primarily appreciate the personal service of the local supplier. "We can also be reached at the weekend, which many appreciate," adds the operator. Although the competition is large and the large supermarkets offer cheaper prices, Halmer can offer your community a special value. "It's just fun to know people personally who come by."

The challenges of local supply in the country

in Moosbrunn, Bruck on the Leitha district, there is also a ray of hope: with the support of the state and community, a new local supplier was opened, which offers the residents an important point of contact. Peter Fenzel, who runs the business, commented on the opening: "A local supplier not only ensures basic care, but is also a social meeting point. It is important for the community." However, it remains questionable how local supply in rural areas develops.

A current study by SME research Austria shows that almost every fifth community in Lower Austria has no local supplier. In 2022 there were 382 communities that had to make do without this facility. This is a dramatic development that underlines the supply situation in rural regions, where the trend towards decline in local suppliers is particularly clear.

Especially in small communities with less than 2,000 inhabitants, a "grief death" is often spoken of. Many young people do not see an incentive to take on a company in such areas. The small number of customers means that sales are not sufficient and the freshness of the food is a problem. "The operators concerned have to find out how they can make ends meet economically," explains Wolfgang Ziniel from SME research Austria.

The study illuminates that a flat -rate evaluation of local supply in rural areas is not possible. There are certainly municipalities without local suppliers in the area of ​​larger cities that you would not expect. A look at the different federal states shows significant differences: While 30 percent of the municipalities in Burgenland have to do without local suppliers, it is only about 7 percent in Styria.

The challenges for local supply are not only due to the low shopping frequency, but also to external factors such as the energy and inflation crisis that significantly influence the industry. A comprehensive analysis of these trends and the influence of commuter flows on the availability of local suppliers could provide further insights in the future.

For interested readers, the report of Noe.orf.at More details in the field of local supply in the rural areas and the challenges that the operators face. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether there are solutions that can ensure local supply in these regions.