Hellweg to close two Austrian hardware stores amid restructuring

The Hellweg hardware store chain is undergoing restructuring following an announcement of insolvency. As part of this process, two locations in Austria—Raab near Graz and Fürstenfeld in Styria—will close permanently after failing to secure an investor to continue operations.

Approximately 50,000 products from these stores, ranging from garden equipment like lawnmowers and pools to construction materials and bathroom fixtures, will be sold via online auctions organized by the auction house Aurena. The auctions are scheduled to begin on September 7, with starting bids set at 1 euro for all items. The closures will result in the loss of 44 jobs. The company is currently in discussions regarding the future of its remaining stores and is offering individual locations or groups of stores to potential investors.