Edeka in Frankfurt's 'Four': From Refugee Child to Supermarket Pioneer
Jafar Graf opens Edeka supermarket in Frankfurt's 'Four' district, balancing the potential for wealthy customers against significant risk until they move in.
Jafar Graf has opened his Edeka supermarket as the first retailer in the new high-rise district known as 'Four' in Frankfurt. This ambitious area features four high-rise towers and has been hailed as a flagship development for the city, with an investment of around two billion euros from the project developer Groß & Partner. While Graf estimates that he will serve a wealthy clientele, he faces considerable risk until the expensive apartments and office spaces are fully occupied and the area's demographic shifts take place.
Graf's determination is illustrated by his insistence on securing the location for his supermarket, stating that he is willing to tackle obstacles head-on to realize this dream. The choice of the name 'Four' reflects the unique architectural design of the district, which is confined within the spaces between Großer Gallusstraße and Junghofstraße. As the first supermarket in this up-and-coming neighborhood, Graf's Edeka may play a crucial role in attracting residents and shaping the community's retail offerings.
The potential of the 'Four' district shines a light on the broader economic and social dynamics at play in Frankfurt, where urban development is rapidly transforming neighborhoods. Graf's story—a journey from being a refugee child to becoming a successful entrepreneur—adds a poignant personal narrative to the unfolding story of this new district, signifying not just commercial ambitions but also the spirit of resilience and adaptation in urban settings.