Economy Minister Barke on the Announced Closure of Galeria Kaufhof Saarbrücken

“For the employees, the months-long stalemate has come to an extremely painful and bitter end. The staff reductions may also affect many highly qualified, long-standing employees with well-paid employment contracts. However, retail is also one of the sectors most threatened by the shortage of skilled workers. The strength of stationary retail – especially compared to online retail – lies in qualified and friendly customer service. Therefore, there is hope that employees who are now losing their jobs will soon find adequate reemployment, and that new employers will also know how to appropriately financially reward their experience and expertise. No one must be left behind.” Immediately after the announcement of the renewed protective shield insolvency procedure, Economics Minister Barke contacted the management of Galeria in November 2022 and offered support. There were also talks with the state capital about possibilities to maintain both Galeria locations in Saarbrücken or, if necessary, facilitate alternative uses. The ministry is always available for further discussions. “Although the possibilities of Saarland politics are limited, we have offered the Galeria management, among other things, to take over sales areas no longer needed for alternative uses through a real estate economic instrument of economic promotion and to provide support for the energy-efficient renovation of the department stores. The large properties offer ample space for alternative uses alongside pure retail and can thus become new central places for the transformation of the city center.” In general, stationary retail is no longer a self-runner, Barke said. “To make retail in Saarland fit for the future, we have developed the ’Future Concept for Retail in Saarland 2030.’ In this, besides the businesses themselves, vital inner cities and local centers, as well as the management and occupancy of vacancies in municipalities, play a central role. These will also be important thematic areas in our funding program for municipalities to strengthen retail and revitalize inner cities and local centers, which we will launch shortly. With this, we want to preserve and further develop inner cities, local and city (district) centers as holistic business locations as well as multifunctional living and experience spaces.”