Signa crisis: Verdi for job security in department stores
In view of the Signa crisis and the resulting uncertain future for numerous department stores in Berlin, the trade union Verdi continues to see Signa founder René Benko as being responsible. "It is hard for the employees to find themselves once again in a situation where jobs and locations are acutely threatened due to mismanagement and the failure to implement a sustainable business concept," said Conny Weißbach, Verdi's head of retail for Berlin-Brandenburg, on Thursday. "We expect the jobs and all locations of the retail companies belonging to the Signa Group to be preserved."
This includes the Galeria outlets, including the Markthalle food department, SportScheck and the KaDeWe Group. "René Benko is still obliged to invest in the implementation of future-proof concepts," said Weißbach.
Galeria currently operates ten stores in Berlin. The two department stores on Müllerstrasse and Wilmersdorfer Strasse are to be closed on January 31. Some locations, including the stores on Hermannplatz and Ku'damm, are to be remodeled in the coming years. "In the current situation, we will not take any further formal steps in the two procedures until it is clear which capable partner is available to implement the planning objectives of the state of Berlin," the Senate Department for Urban Development told RBB. However, this is not a complete planning freeze.
Signa also has a stake in Kadewe. The group owns the majority of the property, while the Central Group, headquartered in Thailand, holds the majority of the operational business, as department store boss Michael Peterseim explained in an interview. He was relaxed about the insolvency of Signa Holding. The group's difficulties would have no consequences for the luxury department store on Tauentzienstraße.
"2022 was a record year in the history of the company. And I can already say, although the year is not yet over, that 2023 will be our new record year. And 2024, I think I can already say that much for sure, will be the next record year," Peterseim told the "Tagesspiegel".
Despite the ongoing Signa crisis and its impact on the retail trade sector in Berlin, the union Verdi is calling for the preservation of jobs and all Signa Group locations, including Galeria outlets, SportScheck, and the KaDeWe Group. In light of the retail trade industry's vulnerability, especially in the context of real estate management, it is crucial for Signa founder René Benko to invest in future-proof concepts to secure the future of these businesses.
Source: www.dpa.com
