German city centres have experienced a noticeable increase in their attractiveness in recent years. This is a central finding of the current Germany City Centre Study 2026/27, conducted by CIMA Beratung + Management GmbH. For this comprehensive study, over 5,000 German citizens were surveyed in May and June 2026 to collect representative data on the perception and use of urban centres. The results show that 83.3 per cent of respondents intend to visit their respective city centre at least as much as before in the future. This figure represents the best result in the last six years and highlights a positive development in usage intensity.
Despite this positive development, the German Retail Federation (HDE) urges caution and emphasises the need for decisive action against retail vacancies. The Federal Association of City and City Marketing Germany (bcsd) additionally points to the considerable potential that lies in strengthened and improved cooperation among all local stakeholders. Roland Wölfel, author of the study and Managing Director of CIMA, stated that Germany's city centres are regaining appeal. He interpreted this as proof that the numerous initiatives, investments, and development programmes of recent years are increasingly showing positive effects.
Importance of Retail and Areas for Action
For vibrant city centres, a balanced mix of retail, gastronomy, culture, and public facilities is therefore crucial. The study highlights that shopping is by far the most important reason for visiting: Nearly two-thirds of respondents primarily come to shop, while 46 per cent visit city centres for strolling and 45 per cent for gastronomy offers. Alexander von Preen, President of the HDE, emphasised in this context the close link between vital retail and the quality of life in city centres. He stated that a lack of care for local retail would lead to the failure of a city centre.
Given this central role of retail in attractive city centres, politics at all levels is called upon to urgently work on the framework conditions. A consistent fight against vacancies, particularly through a start-up offensive with corresponding funding for retail, is considered essential. Fewer vacancies, according to HDE, correlate with an improved sense of security among the population, which makes city centres preferred places to stay again. Roland Wölfel added that footfall alone does not make a city centre vibrant; attractive offers and a high quality of stay are decisive. He underlines the shared responsibility of the city, businesses, and property owners to reduce vacancies and invite people to linger and return.
Strategic Cooperation and Outlook
The positive study results must not lead to passivity; rather, the achieved level must not only be maintained but further improved. For this, retail needs local allies. The Federal Association of City and City Marketing Germany (bcsd) emphasises the potential of coordinated cooperation. Karmen Strahonja, Federal Chairwoman of the bcsd, highlighted that a strategic overall concept, which integrates retail, gastronomy, and experiential offers, is indispensable for lasting success. The goal must be an improved quality of stay in public spaces, with city marketing playing a key role.
The Germany City Centre Study 2026/27 was developed in cooperation between CIMA Beratung + Management GmbH, the German Retail Federation (HDE), and the Federal Association of City and City Marketing Germany (BCSD). The study was also supported by the Citymanagement Verband Ost e.V. (CMVO), the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry e.V. (DIHK), AVS Holding - Abrechnungs- und Verwaltungs-Systeme GmbH, Bayern LB, ERL Immobilien AG, Fokus-Development AG, Invenium Data Insights GmbH, Lidl Immobilien Dienstleistung GmbH & Co. KG, MK Illumination Handels GmbH, the Federal Association of German Textile, Shoe and Leather Goods Retailers e.V. (BTE) and Noceanz GmbH.
