Over the past six years, Denmark has experienced a significant reduction in the number of grocery stores, which has had major consequences for rural areas. From 2017 to 2023, 244 grocery stores have closed, representing a decline of ten percent. At the same time, the number of parishes without a single grocery store has increased by 31. This development is particularly problematic for rural areas, where grocery stores play a central role in the local economy and social life.
Jannick Nytoft, director of the Cooperative Merchants (De Samvirkende Købmænd), emphasizes the importance of taking action now to secure the future of rural areas. “Our local merchants are much more than just stores. They are the heart of many small communities, and they contribute significantly to the local economy and social cohesion,” he says.
To address this negative trend, the Cooperative Merchants and the Rural Districts’ Joint Council (Landdistrikternes Fællesråd) have presented a series of proposals for political measures. These include changes in planning legislation, improved access to financing, and removal of unfair competition and bureaucratic obstacles that make it difficult for new shops to establish themselves in rural areas.
“We are at a crossroads where we can choose to invest in and support our rural areas, or we can watch them decline and potentially disappear from the map altogether. The choice should be clear for everyone,” adds Jannick Nytoft.
These measures and the continued dialogue between the organizations and political decision-makers will be crucial to ensure that rural areas not only survive but thrive in the coming years.