End of the dry spell: the “Markt im Dorf” cooperative project led to success.
The Bad Kohlgrubers got their supermarket back in the heart of the village on Wednesday.
Bad Kohlgrub
- The first surprise is waiting at the entrance. Except for the color explosion. Triggered by the colorful variety of fresh fruit and vegetables that immediately catches the eye. Customers have to switch off their automatism, not steer their (shopping) cart to the right at the start. There is left-hand traffic in the new supermarket. English conditions in Bad Kohlgrub in Upper Bavaria, so to speak. Anyone can do the classic variant, says Andreas Mayr. "We did something unusual."
The guests at the unofficial opening of “nah & gut Mayr” on Tuesday evening - a few hours before the doors are opened for everyone for the first time on Wednesday at 7 a.m. - initially do not even notice their urge to proceed.
Position yourself at the end of the line, the cash register and post office.
Until Viktoria Lichtenstern and Mayr - the couple runs the grocery store - begin their tour of the 300 square meter branch.
Presumably the wrong way around.
But because of.
+
Satisfied faces: (from left) Viktoria Lichtenstern and Andreas Mayr (both store managers), Martina and Wolfgang Mayr (operators) and Clemens Böhmer (chairman of the cooperative).
© Bartl
The two show the community representatives, members of the cooperative board and supervisory board of the project "Market in the village" their new working realm.
Past the frozen goods, the meat and sausage counter, the four types of mozzarella in the cupboard, the department with Tupperware and the beer on the occasion of 150 years of mud bath.
All the curious inspectors rave about it.
“Really strong,” says Mayor Franz Degele.
“You don't recognize the market.
Schee “, praises local politician Simon Eickholt.
Around 10,000 products
In fact, the local supplier, which Hans Reiner had run for over 20 years until it closed in 2019, has a completely new look.
He looks bigger, although he isn't.
Brighter thanks to the LED lighting concept.
And clearer.
Large black letters adorn the walls.
They can be seen from the entrance and guide customers to “sweet & salty”, to yoghurt, wine and the like. Around 10,000 products, around 7,000 more than then, are waiting for their buyers on the shelves.
There's even a small second payment option.
For peak times, says Wolfgang Mayr, father of the branch manager and, together with his wife Martina, the shop operator.
It opens when the line at the main checkout grows.
Then, for example, craftsmen can put their money on the table for meat loaf rolls and drinks more quickly.
+
The way to the opening: The “Markt im Dorf” project has taken longer than originally planned, so all those involved are now all the more satisfied with the result.
© Mercury
Hungry for a new market
In just 2.5 months they - the cooperative and the Uffinger family - rebuilt and modernized the market. Transformed into a “showpiece” “that we couldn't have more beautifully”, Mayor Degele paid tribute to the achievement. A confirmation for the Mayrs, who signed the contract in September 2020, but have since had to overcome obstacles due to various delays. But also for Clemens Böhmer, chairman of the cooperative, and his colleagues. The model “was the right decision,” says the architect. “It's not about one person's wallet, but everyone benefits from it.” Within two weeks in October 2019, a fundraising campaign raised half a million euros. It should be at least 300,000 euros. "An outstanding result", emphasizes Böhmer, the "leader",as Mayr senior calls him. “The time was right for the project.” People hungry for a market. Citizens, the community and many others went with them. With share drawings or muscular strength and brains, they contributed to the fact that Bad Kohlgrub's infrastructure once again included a local supplier.
The Mayrs played a key role in the success. They not only invested money, but also a lot of time and commitment. "We admire your entrepreneurial spirit, your warmth and your hard work," says Böhmer. The town hall chief agrees: “We couldn't have found a better operator.” For a market that everyone hopes will develop in the right direction.