A first section of the Bahnhofstrasse in the Tyrolean city of Wörgl has just been redesigned. Yet several commercial properties remain vacant. According to the Chamber of Commerce, this is a problem that does not only affect Wörgl. In any case, the mayor wants to take countermeasures and is already seeing the first successes.
Less than a year ago, Wörgl proudly celebrated the renovation of the first part of Bahnhofstrasse. A first section of Tyrol’s second longest shopping street shone in new splendor as a meeting area. But anyone walking along Bahnhofstrasse will see several empty displays. Five shops, including one in the newly designed section, are empty.
During the construction phase, some shops were temporarily difficult to reach; now the pedestrian area prevents people from driving directly in front of the store. According to Manfred Hautz, district chairman of the WK Kufstein, that is not the reason. “One or two retailers feel disadvantaged, but there are still plenty of parking spaces.”
According to the mayor of Wörgl, Michael Riedhart, the stores even now feel successful: “After the renovation work, no increase in turnover was noticeable yet.”
Difficult times for retail, this creates a domino effect
Much has been done on Bahnhofstrasse to bring life to the street and create space for the population, Hautz praises. But starting over is still difficult. “The business premises are having problems filling new positions,” says the WK district chairman. Because the general terms and conditions are difficult.
Hautz refers to the strict lending guidelines for real estate loans and the requirements of commercial authorities. “Retail in general is having a very difficult time,” says Hautz. Many are simply unable to open a business. This creates a domino effect: “Shopping is an experience, an event. Then you drink a coffee and eat something. . . If many bars are not occupied, it is not attractive.”
Diversification should help, demand from politicians
Mayor Riedhart wants to counter this with diversification. “Bahnhofstrasse was very fashion-sensitive and a lot of fashion is bought online. We want more restaurants and shops that offer niches or specialties.” We have just been able to sell two more vacant properties. In addition, a new funding guideline must be approved by the December City Council.
However, the WK district chairman sees federal and state politics as responsible. “We need attractiveness and better conditions for our entrepreneurs,” demands Hautz. “We think the financing program is great. But if we can’t get companies off the ground without financing, something is wrong.”
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
