Last Aunt-EMMA shop in Meißen: A fight for survival!

Last Aunt-EMMA shop in Meißen: A fight for survival!

in Meißen-Cölln on Johannesstraße/Teichstraße is one of the last traditional grocery stores that Simone Kaiser has been running for over 30 years. Despite numerous moves, most recently 20 years ago, the shop offers a diverse range of food, fruit, vegetables, drinks, tobacco products and other everyday products. Behind the cash register are several trophies from the commercial cup at marocs that underline the connection with the region. The boss attaches particular importance to regular purchases in local gardeners, especially in summer, as well as fresh baked goods, which have been delivered by the Riedel bakery from Triebischtal since the beginning of the year. This bakery has a long tradition and family roots in the region, which is received positively by customers.

Nevertheless, the grocery store is faced with challenges. The general price increase has changed the buying behavior of customers; Many tend to scroll through more brochures and to orientate themselves on the offers of the supermarkets. The drastic decline in customer frequency is noticeable, especially among older gentlemen. There are also problems with recruiting personnel, since the costs for hiring employees are too high, which further complicates the situation. The closure of the Klapschu bakery in December 2024 also tightened the situation.

price increases and their causes

The Consumer Center NRW found in a recent study that the price level in food has increased significantly. In July 2024, the price increase in food was 1.3 % compared to the previous year. This development is in contrast to the total inflation rate of 2.3 %. Food prices have risen continuously since summer 2021, with a comparison between prices in July 2024 and those before the price shocks showing an increase of over 29 % in June 2021. Pure foods that have become considerably more expensive have been affected.

The causes of rising food prices are diverse; Among other things, high costs for energy, fertilizers and feeds play a role. The shortage of labor and the requirements of the minimum wage also increase personnel costs. In addition, climatic changes lead to more frequent misses, which also contains the supply situation. The consumer advice centers also observe an increasing number of hidden price increases, for example through lower filling quantities and changed recipes.

These developments lead to an increased demand for transparency in the trade, so that a critical look of politics and the antitrust office is required to meet the affected consumers.

For more information on the background of the price increases, the articles from Sächsische.de and Consumerzentral.de .

-transmitted by West-Ost-Medien