Tapis Hertz has occupied 44 Grand-Rue for 73 years, but said in a press release that it will close that location “in order to guarantee the viability of the brand over the long term and to adapt to a changing environment.”

Three of the outlet’s 13 employees will be made redundant, the company stated. The others will either retire or be transferred to the firm’s two other locations, in the Belle Étoile shopping centre and in Bertrange, both of which will remain open.

Nathalie Aach, manager of the family-run enterprise, said in the 13 July press announcement the decision was driven by changes in the marketplace. Aach commented:

“Consumer habits, the success of internet sales, the lack of parking spaces but also a multi-brand business model and retail becoming obsolete in the city centre, except perhaps concept stores, led us to reconsider our company strategy and focus our activities on the two outlets that today allow us to respond to this new consumer demand.”

Aach said its lease was affordable and was not a factor in the decision.

The company said it will hold clearance sales at the Grand-Rue location from the start of the capital’s “braderie” street market on 2 September until it closes its doors on 14 November.