"Too many years of losses". La Rinascente closes

PADUAEnd of the trip. Stagnant consumption and expensive rentals also affect department stores. This is not the first time that, in recent years, it has been rumored that La Rinascente will leave the city of the saint. But now, there is something much more concrete. Or an official note by which the Milanese leaders of the company founded in 1865, which now belongs to the Thai giant of the central group, confirm that in less than three months, on February 15, the megastore of Piazza Garibaldi, inaugurated in 1999, will be permanently closed the doors. Over the last ten years, the offices of La Rinascente in Milan know it, the Padova store has recorded significant losses. And considering the approach of the expiry of the rent contract, we asked the building a downward revision of it, which is today too expensive for the turnover developed by the commercial activity.

Figures and fee increases

We speak, but in this regard, there is no confirmation, a figure that affects 100 thousand euros per month. The property – continued the note from La Rinascente – replied that when it expired, we would have needed an increase in fees to adapt it to the rental market in Padua. As a result, we are forced to leave the contract because, in addition to not being able to absorb the significant increase in costs, we can not afford to operate for a long time in a store without making investments for themselves and for brands. Finally, the most delicate step: all current staff, 39 people, will be able to relocate to other stores in the country. So far, very dry, the official news published last night by the Milanese leaders of La Rinascente, after a long meeting with unions and representatives of the family Tabacchi (the branch of Giuliano, died in March last), owner of the immense stable which, from Piazza Garibaldi, rises up to Piazza Cavour, skirting on one side the Listn and on the other via Calvi.

The municipality's appeal

I hope that there is still room for negotiation – intervenes Antonio Bressa, municipal councilor of commerce. The stakes are too important. My invitation to La Rinascente is to think carefully before leaving a place like Padua. By cons, I ask the property not to pull too much on the rent. But of course, the Tabacchi family will have managed their accounts well. So much so that the name of the possible new tenant is already circulating. This is the Spanish group Inditex, owner (among others) of the brand Zara. In this case, in the building of Piazza Garibaldi, Zara Man and Zara Woman (today in Piazzetta Pedrocchi) would be transferred and opened, for the first time in the city, Zara Kids and Zara Home.