Mercator promises a new beginning, but Max is left without a life.

Mercator has promised a new beginning, yet Maxi remains lifeless The iconic flagship store in the strict center of Ljubljana still awaits a new tenant. How are the building owners responding? Gallery In July last year, representatives of Mercator announced the imminent reopening of Maxi. However, even after nearly 14 months, the flagship store remains closed. A German fashion chain, Peek & Cloppenburg, which was supposed to replace Modiano in the upper floors, has not filled the retail space. The building thus remains empty, just as the famous café and pastry shop have not found a tenant either. The standstill in resolving Maxi’s situation is particularly noticeable because the company had just concluded one of its largest crises in the history of the supermarket chain. The contamination of drinking water was not minor. The National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) conducted an epidemiological investigation up to April 25th last year, examining around 580 cases... Representational content Do not miss out BE INFORMED Fresh daily news as soon as they happen Delo Science Business Sport Weekend reading Subscribe with an email address to receive editor's newsletters from Delo media d.o.o. Unsubscribe is possible anytime via the link “Unsubscribe” in each message. More in Privacy Policy. MORE NEWS The delay in opening Maxi has raised concerns among local businesses and residents. Many had anticipated a swift recovery following the water crisis, which led to widespread health issues and a loss of consumer trust. Despite assurances from Mercator management, the lack of progress has left the area in limbo. Local authorities have expressed frustration over the prolonged vacancy, noting that the commercial district suffers from a lack of activity. Some have called for more transparency regarding the reasons behind the delays, while others suggest that the issue might be tied to broader financial challenges facing the company. Meanwhile, the absence of tenants in both the retail and hospitality sectors has affected the surrounding businesses. Restaurants and shops near the site have reported a decline in foot traffic, highlighting the ripple effect of the unresolved situation. The building itself, once a bustling hub of commerce, now stands as a symbol of stalled progress. Its long-term vacancy has sparked discussions about the need for alternative uses or redevelopment plans. Some community members have suggested repurposing the space for cultural or educational purposes, though such proposals remain unconfirmed. The situation has also drawn attention from media outlets, which have highlighted the contrast between Mercator’s optimistic announcements and the reality on the ground. While some reports emphasize the company’s commitment to revitalizing the area, others point to internal challenges and external pressures that may be slowing down the process. As the summer approaches, there is growing anticipation for any signs of movement. Whether this will come in the form of a new tenant, a change in strategy, or a complete overhaul of the site remains uncertain. For now, the building continues to stand empty, a silent witness to the ongoing uncertainty.