Andreas Götsch is the third generation to run the store of the same name in Innsbruck’s Old Town at number 4 and Uhren Pfister at Franziskanerplatz. He’s not thinking about quitting anytime soon.
The major downturn in business does not stop at Innsbruck. More and more often, the doors – especially in smaller stores – are closing forever. The number of vacant shops in the city center is constantly increasing. But thank God there are also positive examples. Like that of Andreas Götsch.
Go to Franziskanerplatz
The 62-year-old from Mühlauer runs two businesses: one is the wine and spirits shop in the old town and the other is Uhren Pfister on Franziskanerplatz. “Until recently, the latter was located at Museumstrasse 1, but now that the house is being demolished, we had to move,” says the business economist in an interview with the “Krone”.
While others would have taken the opportunity and probably closed it, Götsch decided to locate the shop on Franziskanerplatz – between “Hut Held” and the Ice Cave. “This has been the headquarters of Uhren Pfister since 1938,” explains Götsch, whose mother was born Pfister. Hildegard, as she was called, was active until last year. She was 96 years old at the time. Today she is 98 and lives in a retirement home. It is easy to explain why Götsch did not close the door.
When we entered the EU, business collapsed completely
“On the one hand, it is about upholding the legacy of the parents, and on the other hand, it is also about connection and tradition. And thirdly, my two employees at the watch store asked me to keep the store open,” says Andi.
He runs the business himself in the old town, which was once a large flour and feed company. The house also belongs to the Rauch company, where Andi’s great-grandfather Anton worked as a master miller. “Things were going well until we joined the EU, but then everything collapsed overnight. That’s why I switched to wine and spirits,” says Götsch, who joined the company in 1979 after his father had an accident.
Despite his 62 years, Götsch is far from thinking about retirement: “That is also one of the reasons why I continue in the watch industry,” Andreas concludes.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
