Cities are emptied: Especially two types disappear

Businesses are closing on the strip

Only a few municipalities have experienced growth in the number of stores, while the vast majority have seen a clear decline.

Copenhagen, Aarhus and Aalborg are among the hardest hit cities, but also smaller municipalities such as Ishøj, Billund and Rebild have lost many stores when corrected for population development.

Development means that the store gang in the cities is increasing.

A mapping in Copenhagen showed that the number of empty stores on Strøget and the surrounding streets were 221 in December 2023.

It's a doubling since 2014.

While several types of business have had to turn the key, it is especially clothing stores and electronics stores that have disappeared from the street scene.

The two industries have had difficulty competing with the rising e-commerce that has changed consumer shopping habits significantly in recent years.

SMVDanmark points out that the Internet trade now forms a significant part of Danes' consumption, which makes it difficult for smaller stores to compete.

Many people choose to shop online for lower prices and larger selection, which has led to store closures across the country.

The Coronapandemic reinforced the trend as more consumers got used to buying clothes and electronics online rather than in physical stores.