New location in Linz

“XXXLinz” sets up shop for 60 million euros

The entrance area is still dominated by pallets and cardboard boxes.(Bild: Markus Wenzel)

It's dusty, it's loud, but it's also making a lot of progress: work on the furniture retail giant's new store in Linz is on the home straight. Mömax opens next to the railroad bridge in mid-May, followed by XXXLutz on May 21. Johann Lafer and Oliver Pocher will also be there. On Monday, we got our first glimpse behind the scenes at the location.

The air conditioning is in operation, furniture is in place, pictures and lamps are hanging, as are screens. To some extent, it looks as if the new XXXLutz location in the harbor will be up and running in a few days.

But there is still a lot to do - in, in front of and on the building. "The work on the façade, for example, is only really starting now, but everything will work out," says Christian Fischer, head of the construction department.

XXXLutz spokesman Thomas Saliger (r.) and Christian Fischer, head of the construction department, gave a look behind the scenes of the new furniture store on Monday, which will open in May.(Bild: Markus Wenzel)

In mid-May, a Mömax with 5,500 square meters of retail space will open right next to the stadium of soccer club Blau-Weiß Linz, while the 24,500 square meter XXXLutz will open on 21 May.

"A project close to our hearts"
"Linz is a project close to our hearts," emphasizes company spokesman Thomas Saliger. The furniture retail giant, which operates from Wels, is investing 60 million euros in the new furniture store and is also significantly increasing the number of employees here.

There was even time to set up decorative elements.(Bild: Markus Wenzel)

While 100 employees work at the previous location in Goethestrasse, where sales are taking place, there will be 250 at the new location next to the railroad bridge. "We will also train 25 apprentices here," reveals Area Sales Manager Dietmar Hasenöhrl.

You can catch a glimpse of the pitch from the restaurant terrace
The retailer's warehouse is located under the soccer arena. From the future XXXL Sky restaurant on the fourth floor, you can even catch a glimpse of the pitch from the terrace.

Opening with stars: Lafer and Pocher are coming
Will the close proximity cost customers on match day? "It won't be so good for our business on some Saturdays because people might avoid our store," believes Saliger, who will be bringing a star-studded line-up to "XXXLinz", as he calls it, for the opening days: Star chef Johann Lafer is coming on May 21. Comedian Oliver Pocher on May 24.

Mayor Klaus Luger attended the official site inspection on Monday.