GERMANY – Düsseldorf’s Wholesale Market, spearheaded by Roland Tolls, Managing Director of Berger & Tolls & Co., faces an uncertain future as it braces for closure by the end of 2024, raising concerns about the continuity of vital operations.
“Despite the challenges faced in 2023, the Düsseldorf wholesale market stands as an indispensable lifeline,” emphasized Roland Tolls, Managing Director of Berger & Tolls & Co.
“We aim to keep all businesses together, maintaining the wholesale market, which is not easy,” stated Tolls, reflecting on the ongoing efforts of the Düsseldorf Wholesale Market Cooperative.
The cooperative is actively seeking a suitable area of 40,000 sqm with a 15,000 sqm hall, aggressively promoting their cause through various digital platforms.
In the absence of an alternative, Tolls highlighted the potential impact on operations, stating that the company intends to look for a 2,000 sqm hall and continue working from there. Despite the imminent challenges, he assured customers of minimal disruptions to services.
The significance of wholesale markets as a robust supply chain during crises was underscored by Tolls.
According to Tolls, these markets function like an emergency logistics system and have a pivotal role in ensuring consistent supply, particularly during turbulent periods.
Concerns about the city’s perception of the market’s relevance were raised by Tolls, countering the belief that its closure wouldn’t affect regional sustenance.
“If the supply chains break down again, the importance of wholesale markets will become clear again,” he emphasized, shedding light on their role in supporting regional goods and sustaining vital sectors like hospitality and healthcare.
While acknowledging the challenges, Tolls expressed optimism about business prospects in 2024. highlighting their commitment to advocating for the wholesale market’s viability.
Reflecting on their success in 2023, Tolls attributed their growth to increased sales in pre-cut goods and notable products like berries during winter.
Despite prevailing media narratives about soaring prices, Tolls noted relative stability in the wholesale market, aligning with efforts to maintain consistency for customers.
“I look forward to 2024 with some optimism,” Tolls stated, emphasizing the collaborative efforts to persuade the city’s authorities to reconsider the market’s fate.
The impending closure of Düsseldorf’s wholesale market raises concerns not just for the businesses it houses but for the broader regional supply chain.
Tolls and others in the cooperative are tirelessly advocating for its continuation, underscoring its pivotal role in emergency logistics and regional sustenance.
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