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In mid-August, Darmstadt's mayor, Hanno Benz, undertook a special tour of the Heimstättensiedlung housing estate to maintain contact with the small businesses located there and to gain insight into their current challenges. The focus was on three long-established businesses: the stationery shop "DingsDa," "Martha's Butcher Shop," and the "Heimstätten Pharmacy." These shops are not only known for their products and services but also as important hubs for the residents of the estate, and each of the three has its own unique set of issues to address.
A heart for local businesses: A visit to "DingsDa Stationery"
Mayor Benz began his tour at the stationery shop "DingsDa." The shop, a fixture in the Heimstättensiedlung neighborhood, is run by Silvia Jeske-Wedel, who is passionate about serving her customers. During their conversation, the owner spoke about various challenges: "Our customers appreciate our personal service, but competition from online retailers and rising wages are a real challenge." One thing, however, is of existential importance to her. "If Postbank leaves here as announced, I'll have to close the shop," she told the mayor, adding, "Postbank customers don't just do their banking here; they also buy other products from us. On top of that, HEAG mobilo removed the ticket machine in front of my door. All these factors are resulting in less and less foot traffic," Jeske-Wedel explained. Benz listened attentively and promised to advocate for their concerns: “I will look into the Postbank issue. We need to see what is feasible. In general, the diversity of retail businesses is an essential part of our city and its neighborhoods. We must work together to find ways to preserve and promote them,” he explained.
Tradition and quality: A stop at "Marta's Butcher Shop"
Hanno Benz's second stop was at "Martha's Butcher Shop," where he received a warm and hearty welcome from owner Marta Balek. The butcher shop is known far beyond the neighborhood for its high-quality meat and sausage products. In conversation with the mayor, the owner expressed her concerns about rising energy and raw material prices, which are making it increasingly difficult to maintain high quality standards while offering affordable prices. Benz asked if the new E-Center in the immediate vicinity was a problem for them. "No, we don't feel it that much. We have our regular customers, and the residents support us." Customer Karena Wagner confirmed this: "We live in Bessungen, where we've unfortunately been affected by the decline of local butcher shops. Or fortunately, depending on how you look at it. Because, practically out of necessity, we tried Marta's Butcher Shop and were thrilled from our very first visit: by the friendliness, speed, and expertise of the staff, by the quality of the meat and sausage products, and by the wide selection." Another issue for her was German bureaucracy: "My Polish qualification wasn't recognized here. So, because I was opening the shop while it was still operating," Balek explained, adding, "I'm also allowed to train apprentices, and I'd love to, but nobody's applying. It seems like nobody wants to learn the butcher's trade anymore." She also cited the decline of small shops as another problem. "Chain stores are increasingly replacing local businesses. This isn't going down well everywhere. Customer traffic is declining." Hanno Benz also promised Marta Balek his support: "It's great to hear firsthand what's bothering retailers. I could imagine that a citizens' office here could help to generate more foot traffic," the mayor said.
Local healthcare: The "Heimstätten-Apotheke" as the last stop
Hanno Benz concluded his visit at the "Heimstätten-Apotheke" (Homestead Pharmacy), which plays a central role in the medical care of the neighborhood. Owner Anja Schüler explained that the demand for pharmaceutical products, advice, and health services remains consistently high. "We really can't complain. We strive to provide the best possible service, for example, in procuring and dispensing medications. Our delivery service by couriers from 5 to 7 p.m. also helps with this," said Schüler. She added that she doesn't really have any problems. While competition from online retailers is fierce, the loyalty of local customers somewhat compensates for it. Then she remembered something else: "More bicycle racks and more parking spaces would really help us," the owner remarked. Hanno Benz countered that more bicycle racks would certainly be feasible, but at the expense of a car parking space. The pharmacy is adamant about this: "We're already so short on parking. We can't afford to lose a single parking space," Schüler stated. Mayor Benz agreed that the city would see what was possible.
A tour offering valuable insights
Mayor Hanno Benz's visit to the Heimstättensiedlung housing estate was characterized by lively discussions and a keen ear for the concerns of local businesses. "Direct exchange with the people on the ground is essential for me to understand the needs and problems of the citizens and businesses and to be able to address them effectively," Benz summarized at the end of his tour.
