Joint statement by the Works Council of Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof, the Mayor of Chemnitz and the trade union Verdi
Due to the planned closure of Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof in Chemnitz, Lord Mayor Barbara Ludwig met this morning with the chairmen of the store's works council and representatives of the trade unions. The result of this meeting was a joint statement on the situation
"The decision to close Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof in Chemnitz is incomprehensible to us. It lacks transparency and there are many good arguments as to why the Chemnitz location is strong and fit for the future. That is why we will fight together to preserve it.
The centre has a catchment area of around half a million people from the city and region. The regional railway connection directly at the entrance to the department stores' is already attractive and will connect other cities and towns directly in the coming years.
Chemnitz and the region have a stable purchasing power and a very traditional purchasing behaviour that is also geared towards bricks-and-mortar retail.
In particular, however, the store in Chemnitz has many committed employees who want to use their innovative ideas to help further develop and promote the attractive location in the city centre.
Together, we will not simply accept this decision and will do everything we can together with the Saxon state government to preserve the location.
At the same time, we are calling on the people of Chemnitz and the region to support the signature campaign by employees to preserve their store and to shop there right now."
Joint press conference on Tuesday, 23 June, 2 p.m., in front of Kaufhof
There will be a press conference on this topic with representatives of the works council, the trade union and the Lord Mayor in front of Kaufhof tomorrow at 2 pm. Representatives of the media are invited to attend.