Demos in the city center

Fashion store suffers from loss of sales

Babsi Löwe set up her own business 33 years ago and still runs a fashion boutique in Operngasse today.(Bild: Krone KREATIV/Christian Löwe)

When the city center becomes a protest zone, Babsi Löwe's business collapses. She demands more support from the city.

Business owners in the city center are facing challenges - not so much because of the clientele, but rather because of the numerous demonstrations that regularly take place.

"On Thursdays and Saturdays, as soon as the demonstrations start, business collapses," says Babsi Löwe, who has been running the fashion store "Bettina Fashion" in Operngasse for 33 years. The noise and restrictions caused by the demonstrations mean that many Viennese avoid the 1st district, especially on Saturdays, traditionally the busiest shopping day.

The Thursday demonstrations "Against the Right" are ruining the fashion boutique's business.(Bild: Hannah Tilly)

Customers feel disturbed while shopping
Löwe, whose boutique offers fashion in the mid-price segment and is popular with both Viennese and tourists, has seen a significant drop in customer numbers. The local atmosphere is becoming increasingly tense and customers no longer feel comfortable in the city center.

The city government has failed to adequately protect retailers from the negative consequences of the demonstrations.

Geschäftsinhaberin Babsi Löwe

The businesswoman is particularly worried about the upcoming Christmas season, as she expects further losses in sales.

"The city government has failed to adequately protect retailers from the negative consequences of the demos," she criticizes. In view of the already difficult times for the retail sector, she feels let down.

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