The End of Ladenzeile and Shopalike: What Happened?
Axel Springer, one of Europe’s largest publishing groups, will be shutting down its comparison site Ladenzeile and its international equivalents Shopalike by the end of this month. The decision was made after a decline in visibility on Google, signaling a changing market landscape for comparison sites.
Founded in 2008 by Rocket Internet and later acquired by Axel Springer in 2011, Ladenzeile was an established player in the comparison site industry. Operating in Germany, Austria, and several European countries, Ladenzeile and Shopalike provided users with a platform to compare prices and products across various retailers.
A Surprising Announcement
The announcement of Ladenzeile’s closure came as a surprise to many, with partners receiving an email on June 30 informing them of the decision. According to reports from OMR, the email provided no detailed explanation for the closure, leaving many wondering about the reasons behind it.
“On June 30, the curtain falls for Ladenzeile and Shopalike.”
Despite the lack of specifics, a spokesperson for Ladenzeile confirmed the termination of business operations and emphasized that the decision was made after careful consideration. The seventy employees affected by the closure will receive extensive severance packages as the company winds down its operations.
A Shift in the Market
The spokesperson attributed the closure of Ladenzeile to a “changed market situation,” indicating that competition in the comparison site industry has become more challenging. In recent years, comparison sites have struggled to attract traffic from Google, prompting Axel Springer to reevaluate its strategy.
While Axel Springer still sees potential in price comparison services, the company plans to focus its efforts on growing Idealo, its flagship comparison platform. By concentrating resources on Idealo and seeking opportunities in the evolving market landscape, Axel Springer aims to position itself for long-term success.