On April 12, 2026, Erlangen's city center will host its first Sunday shopping event in a long time. In this interview, Christian Frank, Chairman of City Management Erlangen e. V., and Economic Development Officer Konrad Beugel discuss the significance of the day, the collaboration leading up to it, and why such events are particularly important right now.
Mr. Frank, what can visitors expect in Erlangen city center on April 12th?
Christian Frank: On April 12th, coinciding with the Spring Festival at Schlossplatz, there will be a Sunday shopping event in the city center. From 13 p.m. to 18 p.m., numerous shops will be open, offering the opportunity for relaxed browsing and shopping. At the same time, the Spring Festival, with classic attractions such as a swing boat, children's carousel, and puppet theater, will create a special atmosphere. In addition, the City Management has organized a supporting program – with food trucks at Bohlenplatz, interactive and information booths along the main thoroughfares, car displays at Schlossplatz and Beşiktaşplatz, and a fun track with a photo opportunity at Neustädter Kirchenplatz. This will create a day that offers much more than just shopping.
Mr. Beugel, what significance does this Sunday shopping event have for the city of Erlangen?
Konrad Beugel: The city council unanimously approved this date on February 26th. This demonstrates the importance of this event for the city center. A Sunday shopping day sends a strong signal to retailers and to the overall attractiveness of our city. It provides an additional reason to visit the city center and offers the opportunity to experience Erlangen outside of traditional shopping hours.
How did the collaboration between economic development and city management work?
Konrad Beugel: Close coordination was a crucial factor. Economic development agencies and city management worked together on the project from the outset, coordinating the framework conditions – which also included legal aspects – and the planning.
Christian Frank: Based on this, we were able to move into concrete implementation. Together with partners from the city, we developed a concept that meaningfully complements Sunday shopping and creates additional incentives to come to the city center.
What does the day mean specifically for businesses and visitors?
Christian Frank: For businesses, it's a great opportunity to showcase themselves and attract new customers. Some are planning their own promotions or special offers. Visitors will enjoy a diverse experience: shopping, dining, spending time with family, and enjoying the spring festival all at the same time. This combination is what makes the day so appealing. We, as the city management, are supporting the event with marketing activities in the city and the region to ensure that as many visitors as possible become aware of what's on offer. The last day of the Easter holidays is also a wonderful way for families to wind down before returning to their daily routines.
Mr. Beugel, how important are Sunday shopping days today?
Konrad Beugel: Their importance remains undiminished. And city centers must offer more than just shopping opportunities. It's about creating vibrant spaces where people enjoy spending time. A Sunday shopping day brings precisely that together: retail, gastronomy, social interaction, and leisure – today it's far more than just an extra shopping day and makes the city center an engaging space for all generations.
Further information about Sunday shopping can be found at: