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Future of the Bad Hersfeld world store in danger – who will save it?
The Bad Hersfelder Weltladen is looking for new paths for the future, given financial challenges and the retirement of the coordinator.
Future of the Bad Hersfeld world store in danger – who will save it?
The world shop in Bad Hersfeld, which has been an important point of contact for fair trade and educational work for over 30 years, is facing a change. The plan was to transfer it to a cooperative on January 1, 2026, but this plan had to be abandoned at short notice. As the Hessian/Lower Saxony General reported that the store was on the brink due to financial difficulties, which were also caused by the corona pandemic.
The Hersfeld-Rotenburg Christian Church District, which runs the world shop, now sees itself under great pressure. All reserves have been used up and the store's deficit cannot be sustained permanently. The Weltladen-Operierer eG cooperative from Neubiberg near Munich has decided not to add any further stores to its network. Nevertheless, the current deputy dean Michael Zehnder has emphasized that closing the world shop is not up for debate.
Looking for a new coordinator
A key measure to secure the future of the world shop is to find a new coordinator. The long-time coordinator has retired and the position was advertised as a part-time job of 19.5 hours per week until the end of October 2027. There have already been several applications for this important position. Above all, experience in retail and a positive attitude towards fair trade are required in order to take responsibility for day-to-day operations.
Discussions with the applicants are scheduled for next week and it is hoped that a decision will be made soon in order to put the world shop back on a stable footing. The store is not only a sales point, but also a place of learning where information events take place regularly.
Innovative approaches for the future
Modern marketing strategies such as QR codes could be used to stimulate interest in fair products. These small, versatile helpers can be attached to product packaging, labels or even promotional materials to help customers access manuals, instructional videos or current offers. A QR code on business cards could also make all contact details available at a glance and thus promote networking.
At a time when digital interaction is becoming increasingly important, QR codes can also be used on shop windows or tables to introduce changing menus and products to passers-by and collect feedback. These advanced approaches not only help educate customers but make the shopping experience more interactive.
The Weltladen therefore has the opportunity to reinvent itself and emerge from this phase stronger. “We are confident that the store has a viable future,” says Michael Zehnder. We hope that the residents in Bad Hersfeld can soon see the Weltladen blossom in a new, creative form.