Proposal sought for a worker radiation safety directive from the Commission, focusing on mitigating risks from ionizing radiation exposure.
**Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof Schadowstraße Closure: A Bid for Survival Amidst Financial Struggles**
Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof (GKK), a long-standing retail anchor on Schadowstraße, is set to close its doors, marking the third insolvency in three years for the troubled department store chain. The closure, part of a broader restructuring effort, is causing concern among local residents, businesses, and employees, who are fighting to preserve the store and the jobs it provides.
The financial woes of GKK, which have persisted despite several attempts at restructuring, have led to the proposed closure of nine stores, including the Schadowstraße branch. The company's management's focus on cost-cutting measures over sustainable future concepts has faced strong opposition from employees and unions like ver.di. The ongoing insolvency procedure and financial distress have compounded the situation, making store closures inevitable[1].
The impending closure of GKK on Schadowstraße will have a significant impact on the local retail landscape. The loss of one of the key shopping destinations on this popular street not only diminishes the shopping experience but also poses economic risks for surrounding businesses and the urban retail environment. The closure means fewer jobs and less foot traffic in the area[1].
As of June 2025, the insolvency administrator announced that the number of store closures has been reduced from sixteen to nine, saving about 600 jobs. However, the remaining workforce, approximately 12,000 employees, continues to be represented by ver.di, which is pushing for a more viable future for the company, including preserving as many jobs and stores as possible[1].
Politicians, such as SPD city councilwoman Marina Spillner, have expressed their concern over the closure, emphasising the importance of Karstadt as an anchor on Schadowstraße for decades and a destination for customers who prefer traditional brick-and-mortar shopping to online options. Meanwhile, Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller has yet to publicly show support for the employees fighting against the closure[1].
Zanda Martens, MP, has called on Mayor Keller to commit to the retention of the business on Schadowstraße, as 120 jobs are at stake. Martens believes that the department store in the city center should continue to exist, offering an opportunity for people with limited means to shop at more affordable prices compared to competitors like CO[1].
Employees of the Schadowstraße branch, determined to save their jobs, have been holding protests and organising solidarity rallies, collecting signatures to demand the retention of their location. The first spade was turned a few days ago for the renovation of the Carsch-Haus, raising questions about the future of the Aldi branch in the basement of Karstadt[1].
The closure affects 5,000 employees, who face an uncertain future. Oliver Schreiber, Chairman of SPD Düsseldorf, has criticised the closure as a result of years of poor management of the department store chain. It increasingly seems that the owners are more interested in the sale value of the properties than in the department stores themselves[1].
As the fight for the future of Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof on Schadowstraße continues, the community remains hopeful that a viable solution can be found to preserve this important retail destination.
*All photos in this article are by Karina Hermsen.*
[1] Based on available information up to June 2025.
The closure of Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof on Schadowstraße could have significant implications for the local business industry, particularly the retail sector, due to the loss of a key shopping destination and potential economic risks for nearby businesses. The ongoing insolvency and proposed store closures have sparked concerns among employees, union representatives like ver.di, and local politicians who are advocating for the preservation of the business and the jobs it provides.
