28.09.2006
- Shopping centre quality due to competent sub-tenants
- Attractive atmosphere behind historical facades
- A total area of 33,000 square metres
Leipzig, 28 September 2006. With the opening of the new department store on Petersstrasse in Leipzig on Friday 29 September 2006, Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH sets new standards for a modern shopping experience. With a sales area of more than 33,000 square metres and in combination with attractive and competent sub-tenants Karstadt has created a supraregional shopping magnet in the heart of the Saxony city well-known for its trade fairs, trade and culture.
"With this new department store, its impressive atmosphere and the attractive product range on offer Karstadt will once again be the number one shopping destination in Leipzig," said Peter Wolf, Chairman of the Management Board of Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH, at the store opening press conference in Leipzig today. "I am especially happy that with this new building we have implemented a pioneering department store concept in Saxony in particular," continued Wolf.
The new Karstadt department store in Leipzig has an impressive architectural design: Historical facades of old Leipzig trade stores distinctively frame a modern interior design. A large atrium and a unique fountain represent the departments store's attractiveness. The wide aisles on all floors as well as the event areas and the gastronomic outlets invite customers to linger, thus creating a pleasant atmosphere. The architectural design was created by the Düsseldorf-based architectural firm RKW (Rhode, Kellermann, Wawrowsky).
When it comes to product ranges, Karstadt aims to distinguish itself especially in the field of fashion in Leipzig. Women's fashion has incorporated new brands particularly in the segments Young Fashion and Modern Women, while men's fashion was extended in the fields of sports and leisure wear. New brand shops further enhance the lingerie and shoe departments. "We will be the number one in the whole area of fashion in Leipzig," promised Marlies Göllnitz-Gellert, Managing Director of the Karstadt department store in Leipzig.
New retail standards in Leipzig are also set by the Beauty and Personal Care category ("Personality") with competent and international brands in the beauty sector, an emotional presentation of watches and jewellery, and a wide spectrum of leather goods. With its stationery range Karstadt emphasises its competence as the only provider in the city centre of Leipzig.
With the theme "Better living" (Home department) Karstadt is also aiming to be a major player in this field in the Leipzig city centre. "We will achieve this by expanding additional brand shops such as Leonardo or Seltmann," said Marlies Göllnitz-Gellert. "Establishing a cooking centre will add additional attractiveness to our Living department," she continued.
With the opening of this new department store the sports category will move back into the Karstadt department store in Leipzig. The segments Electrical Appliances, Multimedia and Toys will complete Karstadt's product range, which with its 24,000 square metres occupies a little more than two thirds of the new department store's total area. The remaining third has been leased. "Our partners supplement our range in an ideal way. They give the store the quality of a shopping centre, thus adding additional attraction," explained Karstadt store manager Marlies Göllnitz-Gellert. Particularly the fresh food area of the Karstadt delicatessen department as well as the gastronomic outlets will increase customer frequency.
Further sub-tenants and service providers are: dm (Drogeriemarkt), a pharmacy, Apollo Optik, Ars Mundi, Mister Minit, Idee-Creativ, newsagent/ tobacco shop, travel agent, an alterations tailor/ dry cleaner's, KarstadtQuelle financial services as well as the fashion brands Zero, Biba and "1 2 3".
"With this offer Karstadt Petersstrasse will become the heart of the Leipzig city centre," said Marlies Göllnitz-Gellert, convinced about the future success of her new department store, which will regularly offer promotions, events and presentations.
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Media contact:
Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH
Corporate Communication
Elmar Kratz / Michael Scheibe
Phone: +49-(0)201/ 727 -25 37 / - 21 24
Email: presse@karstadt.de