Other cities are also clearly noticing that trade is undergoing change. Of course, we would like to have retail use as soon as possible, but so far we have unfortunately only received rejections in our acquisition efforts,” explains Thomas Diederichs about the current situation. This fact was a key reason for developing other ideas and temporarily activating the vacancy in the city center.
Therefore, the city administration has developed a citizen market concept to meaningfully bridge the vacancy in the former H&M building. Until tentatively the end of February 2025, citizens, associations, and institutions can book a table on Fridays and Saturdays and participate in themed flea markets or bazaars. The citizen markets take place on Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 to 4 p.m., offering a platform to sell secondhand treasures or creative, handmade products.
From the first Advent weekend, 40 tables will be available, which can be booked online via the city’s website or through the INGO city app. Access through the pedestrian zone to the former H&M building is granted for registered exhibitors for loading and unloading via the Ludwigstraße entrance and the Pfarrgasse exit. Setup is possible on Fridays from 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.
The booth fee is 15 euros per day and is collected in cash on site. Card payment is not possible. The allocation of tables, which are generously distributed on the ground floor of the former shop, takes place after registration with the booking confirmation and further information.
Topics at the Citizens' Markets are wide-ranging
“With the wide-ranging topics over three months, we offer attractive indoor events for flea markets during the cold season. I believe this appeals to a large audience of exhibitors and visitors,” said the opinion of the GGE managing director.
In December, it is first about Christmas decorations and handmade crafts, a second-hand bazaar for children's clothing and toys, as well as a ski and winter sports bazaar. Starting January 2025, (un)loved Christmas gifts, carnival costumes, and household goods will be auctioned off. A Valentine's market, a flea market for girls, and other household items will conclude the market activities in February.
Mayor Dr. Ulli Meyer is convinced that the citizen markets are well received: "The concept is coherent and fits wonderfully with the pre-Christmas activities in the city center. It was important to us to use the current vacancies meaningfully and to bring life to the pedestrian zone, especially during the winter months."
As part of the Christmas weekend activities, starting from the first Advent, the large shop windows of the H&M building will be decorated festively and illuminated by a professional decorator. The life-sized nativity scene in front of the Engelbert Church and staffed Christmas huts in the pedestrian zone also invite visitors to enjoy a cozy stay in the city center. In the new year, BiosphärenART will take over the window design. With creative everyday items of all kinds made from waste products, the rather dull season will become colorful.
All further information about dates and opening hours of the citizen markets can be found at www.st-ingbert.de or in the INGO city app.
