Cornelius Stüssgen: How a man from Cologne changed shopping!

Cornelius Stüssgen: How a man from Cologne changed shopping!

There is an impressive history in Cologne that has permanently changed the way people shop here. The pioneer of this revolution was Cornelius Stüssgen, who opened the “Cologne Consumer Institute” at Venloer Straße 466 in Ehrenfeld in 1897 at the tender age of 20. Despite its modest size, the store impressed with its exceptionally long opening hours - from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m., even on Sundays and public holidays. In this way, Stüssgen ensured that the workers' quarters in Ehrenfeld received the goods they needed, including coffee, rice, pasta, petroleum and oil. In doing so, he not only revolutionized purchasing, but also listened to the needs of the population. As lomazoma.com reports, these forward-looking considerations were the cornerstone for the company's later success.

Stüssgen showed an excellent feel for the business. Just two years after it was founded, he opened additional branches in Brühl in 1899, thereby expanding his offerings in the Rhineland. In 1903 he renamed the company “Rheinische Kaufhaus für Groceries” and optimized the processes with pre-packaged food, which was an enormous relief for many households. His own brand “Cornelia” was another step in the right direction and provided additional building blocks in the range.

The expansion and setbacks

The first big step forward came in 1902 with the establishment of the headquarters at Mainzer Straße 32 in Haldstadt. By 1929 the business had moved to Braunsfeld into a new building on Stolberger Strasse. At its peak, the company operated around 150 branches in the Rhineland and beyond. But the Second World War brought massive destruction: the headquarters and many shops were destroyed. However, there were already over 80 branches in 1948, marking the brand's comeback.

The 1950s brought innovative concepts such as the so-called “tempo store”, a forerunner of the self-service store. But the tide changed and with the emergence of discounters and drugstore chains, competition became tougher. In 1984, the Cologne Rewe Group took over the majority of Stüssgen, and until 1989 the company was wholly owned by the Rewe Group. The name Stüssgen remained visible for a while, but eventually disappeared completely from the facades of Cologne shops. The last traces of the brand were discovered in 2006 at Lenauplatz in Neuehrenfeld. Cornelius Stüssgen himself died on June 24, 1956 in Cologne and was laid to rest in the Melaten cemetery.

Global gems and local perspectives

While Cologne has an exciting shopping history, there are many events around the world that influence our daily thoughts. Firefighters are currently battling massive fires on Fripp Island that have engulfed several homes in a private residential area. According to timesnownews.com, multiple crews are on scene to bring the fire under control, which broke out Saturday morning. Although the exact damage and any injuries are not yet known, authorities are calling on residents to exercise caution until the situation is stabilized.

Amid such global challenges, how we work together in our cities and communities remains important. Personalities like Pastor Kevin Brown play an important role. He has dedicated his life to serving the community and also brings a unique perspective with his 26 years of experience in the US Air Force and numerous awards. In his church, he promotes a passionate connection between faith and community, and according to redeemedsayso.org, he works to ensure that every member takes an active role and serves as a “chief servant.”

From Stüssgen's revolutionary practical entrepreneurial spirit to the challenges facing communities around the world today, it is clear that community engagement and innovation from the past can set the course for the future.