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Shops and Businesses Abandoning Grazer City

Businesses are withdrawing their operations from Styria's capital, sparking criticism from city planner Berghofer.

Business Owners Departing Grazer City
Business Owners Departing Grazer City

Shops and Businesses Abandoning Grazer City

In the vibrant Austrian city of Graz, a significant number of its residents, approximately 60 to 70%, express a desire to shop within the city centre. This sentiment is shared by Martin Berghofer, a retail consultant and urban development expert, who is among this group.

However, the current state of city politics in Graz appears to be lacking in shared goals and plans for the development of the city centre. This lack of unity and vision is a concern for Berghofer, who believes that Graz needs a common vision to address the challenges of city centre vitality, particularly in the face of competition from out-of-town shopping centres and the rise of online shopping.

A key aspect of this vision should focus on making it as easy as possible for customers to reach the city centre, particularly those who travel from the surrounding area. Approximately 30% of customers in the city centre come from outside Graz, and providing ample parking spaces for these visitors would be a crucial step towards making the city centre more accessible.

The need for a common vision, a plan, and joint action is not just about attracting more customers, but also about keeping a city centre alive in the modern era. By working together, the city of Graz can create a thriving, vibrant city centre that caters to the needs and desires of its residents and visitors alike.

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