Berlin is in a constant state of flux between new openings and closures. While new establishments like Germany’s first shelter for street children and a new Edeka E-Center are opening their doors, we’ll soon have to say goodbye to the M&M’s Store and the Berlin Dungeon. But that’s not all: now one of Germany’s best-known and most long-established department store chains is once again facing an uncertain future. Several Berlin locations could also be affected. Galeria is reported to have filed for bankruptcy on Friday, October 2, 2026—for the fourth time in six years.
This means that one of Germany’s best-known retail companies is once again facing an uncertain future. Nationwide, 83 department stores and approximately 11,250 employees are affected. The stores are expected to remain open for the time being, but it is unclear whether all locations can be maintained in the long term. Berlin is also affected by this latest bankruptcy. In the capital , Galeria currently operates six department stores, which employ around 1,300 people. The situation is particularly critical for four locations whose economic future has been under review since July 2026.
The company’s financial difficulties have persisted for several years. Galeria had to undergo insolvency proceedings as early as 2020, 2022, and 2024, during which numerous stores were closed and jobs were lost. In 2026, the financial situation continued to worsen. As early as April, landlords reported outstanding rent payments. In June, Galeria received financing of up to 160 million euros, which was intended, among other things, to settle outstanding liabilities. Nevertheless, in July, the company announced that it would review the profitability of 33 department stores nationwide.
On October 5, the Düsseldorf Local Court finally ordered preliminary insolvency proceedings. Attorney Frank Kebekus, who had already been involved in earlier Galeria proceedings, was appointed as the preliminary insolvency administrator.
Particularly affected are the department stores at Alexanderplatz in Mitte, Hermannplatz in Neukölln, Kurfürstendamm in Charlottenburg, and in Spandau’s Old Town. All four locations have been on the company’s watch list since July. Their long-term future depends, among other things, on economic developments and potential agreements with landlords. The two other Berlin stores in Steglitz and Tegel are not yet on this list. They are said to be in better financial shape, but there is no permanent guarantee of their continued operation either. During previous bankruptcies, Berlin has already had to close several well-known department stores, including locations on Wilmersdorfer Straße, Müllerstraße in Wedding, and Tempelhofer Damm.
Employees have at least temporary financial protection. On October 13, the Federal Employment Agency confirmed eligibility for insolvency payments for approximately 9,650 employees initially. This is intended to secure wages and salaries for October, November, and December. Separate proceedings are underway for another approximately 1,600 employees from other divisions of the company. Customers can continue to shop at Galeria department stores. However, gift cards are not currently being accepted. In some stores, certain sales areas are also cordoned off due to disputes with suppliers over payment for their goods.
