Geographic situation / Transport connection
- strong regional effect
- connection to the regional transport networt secures accessibility for the surrounding region

Allocation
- strong concentration of regional important, large-area retailing companies at the northern fringe of the city
- nearly comprehensive supply with food retailers within the city area
- concentration of centre relevant assortment of goods within the main shopping area

Fitting, Variety of assortment of goods and types of businesses
- above-average fitting of businesses and retailing space and resulting tie-up of buying power
- many large-area retailing businesses with varied assortment of goods
- attractive mixture of different trades and types of businesses within the main shopping area (exception: food)

Main figures of retailing in the city centre:
- total retailing space: ca. 30,000 qm
- portion retailing space: ca. 19 %
- main shops: Straßburg-Passage, City-Center, Hertie
- main shopping areas: lower Berliner Straße, square Postplatz, square Marienplatz/Steinstraße, square Obermarkt

Data from Lührmann City Facts 2008:
- turnover index 2008 per habitant: 117.94
- centralisation index 2008: 135.25
- retailing turnover per habitant 2008 in Euro: 5,982.00
- International franchise chains: 25.3 %
- National franchise chains: 21.5 %