Jena, March 27, 2026. After nearly two decades, the traditional shop „Manufaktura“ in the Jenaer Innenstadt is closing. Economic difficulties caused by the pandemic and a severe health blow force the owner couple to finally give up their life’s work.
- What: Closure of the specialty shop „Manufaktura“
- Where: Bachstraße, Jena
- When: After nearly 20 years of existence
- Who: Owners Peter Urbach and Manuela Hezel
- Reasons: Long-term effects of the Corona pandemic and a serious illness of the owner in 2022
The End of a Creative Institution
The „Manufaktura“ in the Jenaer Bachstraße was a regular destination for many customers for almost 20 years and was considered a place of creativity, quality, and good humor. But this era is now coming to an end. „We didn’t want to stop, but we have no other choice,“ explained co-owner Peter Urbach. The shop, which helped shape the streetscape for so long, must close its doors forever.
Pandemic and Health Setbacks
The reasons for the closure are multi-layered. The economic decline began with the Corona pandemic. The lockdowns and the resulting losses hit the business hard. „That broke our necks,“ summarizes owner Manuela Hezel. When the order situation finally slowly recovered, a severe personal setback followed in 2022: The entrepreneur suffered a stroke, fell into a coma, and had to go through a long hospital and rehabilitation process. To this day, she struggles with the health consequences.
Now both are pulling the plug. Manuela Hezel wants to focus fully on her health and physical well-being from now on. Despite the painful farewell to the city center, she remains optimistic: „I can’t stop being creative,“ she says, looking forward to a new chapter in life together with her husband.
Background: Structural Change in the Jenaer Innenstadt
The Bachstraße belongs to the historical core of Jena and directly borders the former clinic district. For decades, small, owner-managed manufactories and specialty shops shaped the streetscape here. The closure of „Manufaktura“ is exemplary of the ongoing challenges of brick-and-mortar retail: In addition to the after-effects of the pandemic, many small business owners in Thuringian city centers are struggling with changing buying habits. The loss of such individual points of contact is increasingly changing the character of historical alleys in Jena.
Source:
“No other choice” – sad farewell in Thuringian city center
Transparency Note: This article was automatically created, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.