Holidaymakers flood Greifswald: 20% more customers in the city!

Holidaymakers flood Greifswald: 20% more customers in the city!

The Hanseatic city of Greifswald blossoms in summer, and not just because of the warm temperatures. During the current holiday season, the shops in the city center are enjoying a surprisingly colorful influx. According to the Baltic Sea newspaper Shops such as the Tommy Hilfiger clothing store have recorded an increase of up to 20 percent more customers in recent weeks, largely thanks to the numerous holidaymakers. They not only enjoy the city, but also take the opportunity to refresh their holiday wardrobe.

“Men often use their vacation to shop, while women are more active in the shops,” says Katja Struck, a saleswoman, who outlines the outlines of current purchasing habits. For many people from the region, even from places like Bitterfeld, Greifswald is becoming a popular destination for a relaxing day of shopping while staying on Usedom. A customer who chose a light-colored top makes it clear that demands on her wardrobe seem to increase on vacation.

Popular products and trends

In Greifswald, products such as sea buckthorn, maritime souvenirs and the currently popular matcha tea are particularly popular. The “Teekontor” sees an increase in customers of around 20 percent during the summer months. Susanne Aurada is also observing a trend towards easier reading in the “Scharfe” bookstore. Crime novels in particular seem to be very popular with summer vacationers.

“Customers sometimes even come without having a bookstore in their region,” reports Regina Sauthoff, who runs a music store. The increased demand is also reflected in Katja Spiering's “Coffee Barista”, where there is a noticeable increase in returning holidaymakers. Despite the smaller number of students in the city, the cold drinks, such as the popular “Iced White Mocha”, are in high demand.

The influence of tourism

The positive development of Greifswald's trade is supported by the general recovery of tourism in the city. Greifswald Marketing GmbH reports that the city will have almost reached pre-Corona levels in terms of overnight stays in 2022. The average length of stay for guests is 3.2 days, which is the highest in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

“The hotel industry is also facing change this year, with changes in operator at some hotels,” explains managing director Maik Wittenbecher. This shows that the city is getting ready for a new era in the tourism sector. Mayor Dr. Stefan Fassbinder highlights the importance of these positive developments and encourages not to lose sight of the city's diversity and tolerance.

Finally, it should be noted that the combination of charming historical flair, an inviting pedestrian zone and numerous small streets is particularly attractive for holidaymakers. The Elisen Park on the outskirts of the city complements the offering with its extensive shopping and parking options.

Greifswald not only remains a lively shopping city for the locals, but is also attracting more and more holidaymakers who appreciate the city for its diversity.