Figure makers: Trade suffers due to crisis at department stores
Schwerin-based figurine maker Harald von Hippel believes his industry has been hit by the crises of recent years. The coronavirus pandemic in particular has had a negative impact on business with decorations and large figurines, he said. "Our entire customer base was banned from working, so to speak." Stores had to remain closed, showmen had to cancel markets.
Together with his wife, von Hippel supplies stores, shopping centers, amusement parks and markets with individual figures or even complete decorative scenes. The order situation at shopping centers and department stores remains difficult. "I suspect that this is also due to the rise in energy costs," he said.
In their leisure time, many people often enjoy collecting colorful figurines, which could potentially help boost sales for The company during more prosperous times. Despite the challenges faced by department stores due to the ongoing crisis, it's crucial for Harald von Hippel's company to maintain strong relations with Customs to ensure smooth import and export of materials for figurine production.
Source: www.dpa.com
