Krems is celebrating a comeback: old town full of life and new shops!

Krems is celebrating a comeback: old town full of life and new shops!

Krems an der Donau is on the rise! The old town of the charming city has undergone a remarkable transformation, marked by a notable decline in vacancies. Where not long ago empty shops dominated the streetscape, 24 new businesses have now settled or are about to open. Jasmina Celovic, for example, opened a boutique and benefited from city marketing funding. Exciting business ideas such as a book and wine shop, a camping supplies shop and a vintage café also enrich the offerings in the old town. Karim Rihan, who opened a modern bowl restaurant, was made aware of Krems and is now part of this exciting change.

Loud oe24.at The vacancy rate in the city center has fallen to less than 7 percent compared to 2021, when it was around 20 percent. This is not only the result of new businesses, but also a changing perception of the old town, which has already attracted 2.6 million visitors since January 2023. Mayor Peter Molnar (SPÖ) emphasizes the importance of 200 events every year that help Krems flourish in a festive atmosphere. Events such as apricot festivals and Italian nights ensure that the pedestrian zone remains lively. In addition, the parking regulations in front of the Steinertor have been optimized in order to offer a cheap short-term parking zone for visitors.

Diversity instead of uniformity – the recipe for success

An important point that city marketing manager Horst Berger emphasizes is the targeted selection of new stores. The focus is on small, owner-managed businesses, while vending machine shops and large chains are rejected. This creates a special atmosphere and promotes diversity in the city center. However, “For Rent” signs remain visible in the pedestrian area, indicating that the process of further revitalization is not yet complete.

Looking outside the box

Krems is not alone with its challenges. Many inner cities in Austria are struggling with vacancies, the closure of traditional shops and stagnating visitor frequency. These developments often have deeper roots that go back to the past and have been further reinforced by the pandemic. Difu emphasizes that federal and state funding programs aim to breathe new life into inner cities and promote innovative concepts. In order to improve the quality of stay in the city centers, a variety of uses are sought - from residential offerings to meeting rooms and cultural institutions. A dialogue between stakeholders and citizens is essential in order to address future challenges and manage developments accordingly.

Krems is an example of how active city marketing and creative approaches can contribute to revitalizing the city center. The combination of new shops, numerous events and an adapted parking situation makes it clear that a good hand is being demonstrated here. Even if there are still “For Rent” signs on some corners pointing to the untapped potential, the path to the revitalized old town is clear and promising.