Physical stores in German cities and municipalities were under pressure long before the corona crisis. The trend of city dwellers relocating to the suburbs and increasing online shopping efficiency has indirectly led to stationary stores' closures.
In times of impending business closings due to the threat of the corona virus, the question arises of how viable the German retail sector is. Part of the answer will depend on how intensively local retailers are already operating on online channels.
To expand on a Berlin-based study that eStrategy Consulting conducted last fall, the research team conducted a wider joint analysis at seven major locations with property consultancy company Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL).
At the end of the year there is a buzz in German retail. Just how well the stationary retail trade can hold its own is the same question every year. eStrategy Consulting took a look at the status of digitization on site, using Berlin's Ku'damm and Tauentzienstrasse as examples.