Vacancies in Graz

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The Herrengasse in Graz(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz)

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: Christian Jauschowetz)

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: Christian Jauschowetz)

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: Christian Jauschowetz)

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."