Local Business Owner Offers Free Store Space to Support Community Needs in Lackenhof
As the winter season approaches, residents of Lackenhof face the ongoing challenge of limited access to essential goods due to the absence of a local supplier. In response to this recurring issue, Martin Selinger, proprietor of the Teichwies'n Alm, has taken proactive steps to assist the community by providing his fully equipped former grocery store premises free of charge for use as a retail space.
The closure of the area's last grocery outlet has left many inhabitants, particularly those without personal transport or with mobility concerns, struggling to obtain daily necessities. With the influx of tourists expected during the peak winter months, the demand for convenient access to food and basic supplies is set to rise significantly. Recognizing this pressing need, Selinger's offer aims to encourage potential retailers or cooperative ventures to establish a new supply point in the village.
The available store is ready for immediate operation, featuring shelving, refrigeration units, and other essential infrastructure required for running a grocery shop. By removing rental costs from the equation, Selinger hopes to lower the barriers for interested parties, whether independent entrepreneurs, regional cooperatives, or social initiatives, to step in and re-establish local distribution of everyday goods.
Community representatives have acknowledged the importance of restoring essential services to Lackenhof, especially given the village's reliance on tourism and the seasonal influx of visitors. The absence of a grocery store not only affects residents but can also impact the overall appeal of the area for tourists seeking self-catering accommodations or extended stays.
Discussions are ongoing among local stakeholders, with various models being considered to revive local supply chains. Potential solutions include forming a community-run cooperative, partnering with regional suppliers, or attracting established grocery chains with incentives such as Selinger's rent-free premises. Such efforts are in line with broader trends in rural Austria and other regions, where collaborative approaches have helped maintain vital infrastructure in smaller communities facing similar challenges.
Authorities and community organizations are encouraging interested parties to come forward and utilize the opportunity presented by the free store space. The initiative is viewed as a potential catalyst for re-establishing a sustainable supply network, ensuring that both residents and tourists have convenient access to essential products throughout the winter season and beyond.
As efforts continue, local officials emphasize the broader significance of maintaining basic services in rural areas, noting that accessible grocery outlets play a key role in the social and economic well-being of communities like Lackenhof.