In these stores, Germans used to shop - Germany's lost retail giants: Where did all the shops go?
Many once-familiar shops in Germany have now disappeared from high streets and shopping centres. Over the years, shifts in consumer behaviour and economic pressures have pushed well-known retailers out of business. These closures mark the end of an era for brands that were once part of daily life.
Department stores like Horten and Hertie, which were once major shopping destinations, have long since shut their doors. Similarly, discount chains such as Tengelmann, Minimal, and Plus either collapsed or were absorbed into larger companies. Rewe Group, now Germany's biggest supermarket chain, expanded by acquiring Plus in the 2000s. Its market share climbed from around 10-12% in the 1990s to roughly 25-28% today, placing it among the country's top grocers alongside Edeka.
The drugstore chain Schlecker, a household name for everyday essentials, also vanished after financial struggles. Meanwhile, video rental shops like Video Buster, once social spots for film lovers, faded away as streaming services took over. Even international giants like Toys 'R' Us and Walmart failed to establish themselves in the German market.
The decline of R-Kauf, another former retail staple, further highlights how shopping habits have transformed. Where customers once browsed physical stores, online shopping and consolidation among big chains now dominate the landscape.
The loss of these retailers reflects broader changes in how people shop and what they expect from businesses. While some brands merged into larger groups, others simply disappeared. Today, fewer but larger chains control much of Germany's retail sector, reshaping the way consumers access goods.
