The iconic Hamburg furniture store Wäscherei, known for its vibrant parties and designer pieces, is closing after 25 years. An investor withdrew their offer at the last moment, sealing the store’s fate.
The Wäscherei furniture store in Hamburg’s Winterhude district is closing its doors. The company announced on its website that an investor had withdrawn their offer at the last minute, leading to the immediate closure of the store on Mexikoring.
The announcement on their website read: “Everything is washed out. After more than 25 years of furniture trends, absurdities, parties, and many wonderful encounters, Wäscherei Hamburg sadly has to close. It breaks our hearts.” The insolvency proceedings will begin in mid-August, with a warehouse sale starting in mid-September.
Impact of leadership loss and financial struggles
The Wäscherei faced several severe setbacks in recent months. On April 18, their long-time manager Michael Eck unexpectedly passed away at the age of 71. Eck, a design enthusiast, had influenced Hamburg’s interior design scene for over 25 years, frequently hosting colorful parties that attracted numerous celebrities to the store. According to the company, Eck helped establish Wäscherei’s reputation far beyond the city’s borders.
On May 17, Wäscherei filed for bankruptcy. The goal of the insolvency proceedings was to sustainably restructure the company, either by continuing operations or securing an investor, as stated by attorney Jennie Best, the appointed insolvency administrator. However, no investor came forward, and Wäscherei must now close, leaving its 48 employees to seek new employment.
