Retail & gastronomy

The attractiveness of Aachen's city center and its individual districts is largely driven by retail, gastronomy and the skilled trades. The coronavirus pandemic, the Ukraine crisis, inflation, rising energy prices, the unbroken trend towards online shopping and the shortage of skilled workers have presented these sectors with various challenges in recent years, meaning that there is still a wide-ranging need for support. Since the end of 2021, the "Aachener Einzelhandel, Gastronomie und Handwerk stärken" fund has provided targeted support for these needs; the successful implementation of various funded projects has been experienced in many areas of the city.

We are now entering the seventh round of the "Oecher Perlen - Fonds für eine lebenswerte Innenstadt" funding program! Its aim is to continue to create more incentives to revitalize and increase the attractiveness of the city centre and its districts as well as to create experiences, e.g. by holding events and jointly presenting the city to the outside world.

The 7th funding phase has been successfully completed. A total of 20 applications were received - a sign of the steadily growing awareness and popularity of our program. The funding pot is currently closed. As soon as a new funding round starts, we will inform you here on our website.

The theme of the seventh edition of the fund is "Summer together in the city". Funding is available for (consulting) services and material expenses related to the aforementioned theme in the following areas:

• (Joint) design measures to enhance a location, e.g. uniform street decorations in accordance with the provisions of the current special use statutes
• Events(admission must be free of charge), e.g. on the occasion of special opening hours (e.g. late-night shopping, special promotions on Sundays when shops are open), gastronomic, cultural or sporting events, street festivals and associated marketing measures

• Support for communal and temporary use or design of (vacant) stores and their shop windows (in consultation with the owner, e.g. pop-up market)

We are looking for creative and original ideas that go beyond normal business operations or the activities of the interest, advertising or street community.

Newly approved funds from the NRW funding program "Sustainable inner cities and town centers" enable the new edition of the municipal funding project "Ladenliebe".

Against the backdrop of the transformation of our city centers, the increase in vacancies and the challenges for retail and gastronomy caused by the consequences of coronavirus, inflation and changes in customer behavior, the state government is also making it possible to act quickly, break new ground and develop new perspectives with the new funding program.

The funds made available through this can be used by the City of Aachen to rent vacant spaces and sublet them at a reduced rent for a period of up to two years to new users with exciting concepts.

The aim is to enable new concepts, offers and business ideas to be tested and established in a risk-free manner for a sustainable and colorful Aachen city center. From concept stores to creative and cultural uses, retail and gastronomy offers to services and educational offers, everything is basically possible for the time being.

A colorful and diverse Aachen thrives on original ideas. Get to know two owners who are bringing fresh impetus to the city center with their exciting concepts:

Anton's Milchbar
"Imagine a place that smells of waffles, tastes of childhood and brings a smile to your face: it's here now: Anton's Milk Bar! A new favorite place in the heart of Aachen - for young people, families and anyone who wants to celebrate life. The retro charm of the 50s is back: stylish diner flair, colorful milkshakes and creamy soft ice cream included. However, we are not just about nostalgia, but above all about community. About real encounters, friendship and joy! Whether it's a birthday, carnival, Halloween or just a day when you want to experience something nice: it's all possible at Anton's Milchbar. Anton's Milk Bar is a project close to my heart. It is not an interchangeable concept, it is unique, versatile and owner-managed. Antons Milchbar should be an integral part of Aachen: a place that stays, grows with the city, lives with the people and is fun all year round.
Antons Milchbar is supported by the Ladenliebe funding program - a great help in the start-up phase. In addition to the financial support through the assumption of a large part of the rent, we also benefit from the strong network of the city of Aachen - for example through the exchange with neighboring restaurateurs and store owners." - Sonja Roye, owner of Antons Milchbar

Vintage with brains
"I have been a passionate antique and flea market hunter for 30 years and have taken the opportunity to turn my hobby into a profession with the opening of my vintage store at Dahmengraben 12-14. I now offer an extensive range of products in Aachen's city center and have developed a new focus in terms of content: Away from purely antique pieces towards furniture, lamps and a large selection of accessories from the 50s to 70s. Since February 2025, visitors have been able to experience a fascinating journey through time from mid-century to space-age on two floors. It is particularly important to me to appeal to and satisfy both students and lovers of exclusive design classics. The City of Aachen's Economic Development Agency was my "springboard into business start-up". Many thanks for that!" - Carsten Hollensteiner, vintage with brains

To ensure that our city center remains lively, attractive and diverse, we select concepts according to clear, fair criteria. We ask ourselves: Are there any ethical concerns? Is the concept creative and innovative? Does it bring more life to the district? Does it fit in with its surroundings? And does it have the potential to be successful in the long term? The future offerings should increase footfall as much as possible, i.e. have an invigorating effect and make our city center even more colorful and attractive. This requires a minimum opening time of four days a week. On these days, the stores must be open for at least six hours. The uses should also have the chance to establish themselves in the long term.

A pure relocation within the city center is ruled out, as this would create vacancies elsewhere.

The following map shows the area in the city center in which stores are generally eligible for funding (assuming the participation of the owners).

Funding from the "Ladenliebe" program offers new concepts a jump-start through greatly reduced rents. However, this requires the active cooperation of the owners: The owners must reduce the previous rent - or the currently achievable rent in the case of stores that have been vacant for some time - by at least 30%. As subtenants, the new users pay 30% of the old or achievable basic rent plus ancillary costs. The remaining 40% of the rent is covered by the funding program.

Example: If the last basic rent was €1,000, the owners waive €300. The new tenants pay a basic rent of €300 (plus ancillary costs) and the funding program covers €400, with a minimum rental period of one year and a maximum rental period of 24 months. The leases run until the end of November 2027 at the latest.

You can use our application form to register your interest in renting space and present your concept for enriching Aachen's city center. Please also indicate the desired location, your space requirements, the desired rental period and the maximum rent payable. If you already have a desired location, please let us know.

The concepts are presented to suitable property owners. They select a suitable concept from those available and suitable for the property. The City of Aachen rents the premises as the main tenant and sublets the premises to the new users at a reduced rate. Before the end of the lease term, we will be happy to support you in negotiating the new lease terms with the owner if you wish to continue renting the store.

Important: The rental will only take place if interested parties register for the premises and the concepts match the ideas of the owners.

Owners are also welcome to contact us if their establishment is in the focus area. We will be happy to clarify whether and under what conditions your premises can be included in the campaign. Please use our vacancy detector to report your store.

Of course, you can also enter stores that are not in the focus area. The vacancy and application notifier is used to match supply and demand in the best possible way with the aim of quickly revitalizing or preventing vacancies.

Aachen is of great importance as a shopping city and meeting place. However, like many city centers, Aachen is also facing challenges: The growing online trade, changing purchasing behavior and vacancies are having an impact on its attractiveness.

A retail study was commissioned in 2024 in order to counter negative mechanisms at an early stage and continue to strengthen Aachen's city center as a socially relevant, international and diverse center of attraction and make it fit for the future. It takes a look at the status quo of Aachen's city center.

Key aspects such as quality of stay, accessibility and mix of uses are considered. The study emphasizes that the city offers good conditions for positive development with its location close to the border, cultural diversity and a strong local retail structure. At the same time, measures are needed to avoid vacancies, diversify the offering and incorporate digital and sustainable solutions.

Particular attention is paid to data-based strategies and close cooperation between the city, the retail sector and the real estate industry. Conclusion of the study: Aachen can secure and further develop its position as an attractive shopping and experience city through targeted measures.

Gastronomy plays a central role in the revitalization of Aachen's city centre. It contributes to the quality of stay, increases visitor frequency and creates experiential spaces. For this reason, the Economic Development Agency commissioned a study in 2024 to record the current situation, identify challenges and highlight potential for sustainable development.

The survey makes it clear that Aachen has a diverse gastronomy landscape, but one that faces challenges due to vacancies, a lack of target group appeal and unused spaces. There is a particular need for action in the Adalbertstraße and Dahmengraben areas. At the same time, the growing interest in innovative gastronomy concepts offers opportunities for new establishments and targeted further development.

Based on the results of the study, targeted measures will be developed to strengthen the gastronomic appeal of the city center. These include the promotion of new concepts, better use of outdoor spaces, stronger networking of stakeholders and the development of neighborhood-related focal points.

By strategically developing its gastronomy sector, Aachen can further expand its position as a vibrant shopping and experience city. The study provides valuable recommendations for action in order to establish sustainable and future-proof gastronomy in Aachen's city center.

A vibrant and sustainable city center is created through cooperation and innovative concepts. In cooperation with Märkte und Aktionskreis City e.V. (MAC) and the city management, we are actively committed to the further development of Aachen.

Through targeted measures, we are meeting current challenges such as structural change in the retail sector, changing consumer habits and the need for sustainable urban development. Our network of retailers, restaurateurs, property owners and other stakeholders enables a continuous exchange and close cooperation.

With regular get-togethers and networking events, we promote dialog between all stakeholders, jointly develop strategies to enhance the location and implement innovative concepts. Our aim is to strengthen Aachen as a shopping and meeting place and to create a city center that remains attractive for residents, visitors and businesses alike.