Bonn city centre The weekly market is shrinking
Bonn · There appear to be fewer stalls at the market in front of the Old Town Hall. Organisers are blaming increased competition for sales of foodstuffs. Market-goers want more organic products.
Many shoppers in the city centre have perhaps already noticed the increasing number of vacant spaces in the market in front of the Old Town Hall. The DMG Market Guild, which has managed the market on the city’s behalf since 2008, attributes this, among other things, to the increasing difficulties in finding suitable traders.
“Competition in sales of foodstuffs has increased dramatically,” says DMG executive spokesman Professor Gerhard Johnson. Generally, in winter, stands are frequently empty because fruit and vegetables are very sensitive to frost. But more and more spaces are remaining vacant even on warmer days. “Of course, we are trying to stop this,” says Johnson.
Some traders have had to contend with continually increasing economic problems, particularly since the start of January, when the minimum wage was increased. Some even closed their businesses. Others did not want to put up their stands every day, as was the contractual requirement for the market in Bonn. “We have therefore changed to also rent the stands on a daily basis,” says Johnson.
This change allowed them to attract an organic poultry trader. “We are desperately looking for more traders offering organic goods,” says Inge Hankammer, who looks after the market and reviews quality. Hankammer knows from customers that they would love to see more organic products at the market.
In Johnson and Hankammer’s opinion, the increased fast food and drinks on offer at the market have proved their worth. These businesses are apparently doing well and Carmine Sicuro is a good example, attracting customers with Italian coffee from the former location of a vegetable stand.
Market trader Daniela Lülsdorf has another reason why colleagues are giving up. “It is backbreaking work to sell at the market every day,” she says. With the setting up and pulling down as well as buying stock, it is not unusual to work twelve hours or more.
Michael Mierzowski from the city market office is relaxed about the development of the market. “Such a market is a living thing and adapts to the realities of life,” he says. When asked whether the organic market in front of the cathedral on Wednesdays and Saturdays was competition he said: “It could be, but competition is good for business and ensures both sides try hard.” He is very happy with the DMG’s work.
Original text: Lisa Inhoffen. Translated by Kate Carey.
