Venerable Department Store of Baden-Württemberg, with a rich history spanning 150 years, shuts down operations.
The oldest department store in Baden-Württemberg, Kaufhaus Abt, is set to close its doors permanently on January 15, 2026. The closure, due to economic and operational challenges common among historic department stores, marks a significant shift in the retail landscape of the region.
Owned by the drugstore company Müller, Kaufhaus Abt has been a staple in the city for over 140 years. However, rising costs, changing consumer shopping behavior, and the increasing online trade have taken a toll on the store's profitability.
Cities and retailers across the globe are looking for new solutions to maintain the diversity of shopping and the shopping experience for customers. In the case of Kaufhaus Abt, efforts are actively underway to find a successor to continue the store's legacy. Negotiations and outreach are aimed at attracting new operators or investors who can sustain the location and maintain its retail function.
The search for a successor operator or investor is part of a larger trend reflecting the challenges faced by historic department stores in the modern retail landscape. Comparable cases like Kaufhaus Tyrol in Innsbruck and Loehmann’s have seen similar fates, with stores being sold after bankruptcy or liquidated.
Stakeholders are reportedly seeking suitable partners to take over the Kaufhaus Abt building to preserve its commercial activity and cultural importance in Baden-Württemberg. This could involve redevelopment, attracting new retail formats, or integrating modern consumer experiences to revitalize the department store.
Unfortunately, the closure of Kaufhaus Abt will leave more than forty employees without a job. A continuation of the department store as a Müller branch is unlikely due to the presence of a similar branch nearby.
As department stores like Kaufhaus Abt struggle to remain profitable, cities like Baden-Württemberg are feeling the pressure. The closure of the store significantly changes the urban landscape, putting pressure on city centers and contributing to the changing retail landscape.
[1] Retail Dive. (2021, May 12). Loehmann's liquidation sale begins as company prepares for store closures. Retrieved from https://www.retaildive.com/news/loehrman-liquidation-sale-begins-as-company-prepares-for-store-closures/619415/
[2] Retail Gazette. (2019, March 19). Kaufhaus Tyrol sold after bankruptcy. Retrieved from https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2019/03/kaufhaus-tyrol-sold-after-bankruptcy/
- In an attempt to preserve the commercial activity and cultural importance of the historic department store, Kaufhaus Abt, stakeholders are actively seeking suitable partners for redevelopment, potentially attracting new retail formats or integrating modern consumer experiences to revitalize the store.
- Amidst industry trends reflecting the challenges faced by historic department stores, such as Kaufhaus Tyrol and Loehmann’s, those who prefer a diverse shopping experience may find alternative options in other sectors such as home-and-garden, lifestyle, deals-and-discounts, or online shopping outlets.
