Norderney: Tourists are booming, but shops are empty! What's up?

Norderney: Tourists are booming, but shops are empty! What's up?

The tranquil island of Norderney, known as the largest of the East Frisian Islands, attracts countless tourists every year who enjoy the wide beaches, the wild dunes and the traditional bathing culture. But amid the tourism boom, concerns about vacant commercial properties are increasing. Loud Moin.de Holidaymakers report disappointed that shops and restaurants are closed. One family in particular, who has been visiting the island regularly since 2012, expressed concern on Facebook about this vacancy and asked about the causes.

A comment from a business owner suggests that the sharp rise in rents on Norderney is making a decisive contribution to the closure of businesses. Added to this are the price increases following the corona pandemic, which are problematic for many retailers. The situation is even more a topic of conversation among the islanders and guests.

Concern about vacancies

Despite an increase in the number of overnight stays of nine percent compared to the previous year, there was a considerable vacancy on the island. According to information from NWZonline There are currently around 30 commercial properties vacant. Mayor Frank Ulrichs (SPD) is concerned about the shopping atmosphere and calls for the issue to be placed higher on the political agenda. He plans to hold talks with parties and retail associations to find solutions.

According to Ulrichs, one aspect that contributes to the problem is the consequences of the Corona and energy crisis and the associated high rents and leases, which are difficult for many business owners to bear. It is all the more understandable that there is a high fluctuation among the shops. A tenant of an advertising agency, Brian Müller, is also in the way of the prices for commercial real estate, which are around 40 euros per square meter. Müller also reports a change in business ethics that affects unpaid invoices.

The future of the island

The uncertain economic situation casts a shadow over the future of the island of Norderney. The concerns of many holidaymakers about the persistent vacancies are becoming louder and louder; they fear for the holiday atmosphere that has been carefully cultivated. Destatis points out that many tourist regions are under enormous pressure during the post-Corona period, and this is also evident in Norderney. False information circulating about the vacancy of the once popular locations adds to the uncertainty, but the reality is that there are changes in tenants and no actual vacancy has been identified in the former boathouse.

It remains to be seen how the island community will respond to these challenges. The anticipation of the next holiday on Norderney could be supported by an urgent appeal to those responsible in politics to finally find suitable solutions to maintain the lively atmosphere and the good hand for tourism. The island faces a challenge that needs to be overcome.