Vacancies in Graz

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The Herrengasse in Graz

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian)

A study has confirmed that vacancy rates in Graz's A-locations are at an all-time high. The result came as no surprise to anyone. A "Steirerkrone" survey among entrepreneurs between a mood of doom and gloom.

One day after the new figures on vacancies in Graz's city center became known (as reported, there is a new high, especially in the so-called A-location around Herrengasse), many traders are in a hangover mood: "The economic situation is simply catastrophic, at the moment I have to pay extra every month," snorts Giacinto Battaglia in his Enoteca in Raubergasse.

"Every second store here is empty - three stores in Kalchberggasse have closed. People have simply lost the desire to come to the city," shakes his head.

Doris Meschnigg, MuR Designshop: "I wish people wouldn't just look at the negatives. There are many great stores in Graz that make a great effort and that customers like to come to."

(Bild: Christoph Hartner)

Robert Grossauer, Gösser Bräu, El Gaucho: "The results of the study were clear. Online shopping is responsible for this development - and the shift to easily accessible shopping centers."

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian)

Sabine Friedl, Parfümerie Nägele & Strubell: "We are lucky that our niche fragrances are very much in vogue, especially among young people. They mainly come by public transport, so parking spaces are not an issue for us."

(Bild: Christoph Hartner)

Jeweler Hans Schullin: "Retail in the city center simply depends on footfall and that depends on accessibility. Unfortunately, this is currently lacking - many customers tell us that. Rents are not the problem."

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian)

Christine Beikirchner, Tausendschön: "I often hear that people appreciate the friendly, competent advice we offer. I think some retailers have forgotten how to offer customers an experience."

(Bild: Christoph Hartner)

Giacinto Battaglia, Enoteca Battaglia: "Last year, my sales slumped by 70 percent. I honestly don't know how much longer that will last. New trees and parking lots everywhere - it's just too much."

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian)

Like many, he sees the main reason for this in the lack of parking spaces. Accessibility is also the biggest problem for jeweler Hans Schullin: "If you have a wall of shopping centers on the periphery and a policy that does everything to make it difficult to get into the city, it's clear that nothing will work."

"City center not a feel-good zone"
Perfumery Nägele & Strubell can't complain about a lack of business, but store manager Sabine Friedl also takes a critical view of Herrengasse: "What many customers, especially tourists, report back is that the city center is no longer a feel-good zone with all the vacancies and people camping out here. People would like to see more quality of life here."