BATTLE FOR THE FUTURE

After bankruptcy: bookstores continue to tremble

Melanie Hofinger's bookshops are also popular for candles for christenings and weddings.(Bild: Markus Wenzel)

She was a beacon of hope for bricks-and-mortar retail - but four weeks ago, bankruptcy proceedings were opened against four of Melanie Hofinger's companies. Since then, the case has gone quiet. The fact is: while the Spieleparadies store in Donaupark in Mauthausen has been closed, the bookshops are still open.

In 2018, Melanie Hofinger saved the book and art shop in Harrachstraße in Linz from closure, but now not only is its existence at stake, but the future of the stores in Donaupark in Mauthausen, on Stadtplatz in Eferding and the W. Neugebauer bookshop on Taubenmarkt in Linz is also in doubt.

Since bankruptcy proceedings were opened for four of the entrepreneur's companies four weeks ago, the insolvency administrators have been busy with the day-to-day running of the stores. At the same time, the search is on for potential takeover candidates for the stores, which are not only popular for their books, but also for their candle creations for christenings, weddings and the like.

Vouchers can no longer be redeemed
In addition to the uncertainty, the fact that vouchers can no longer be redeemed due to the insolvency proceedings makes things even more difficult for employees, which upsets customers.