Editor’s Note
This article highlights the critical vulnerabilities faced by small businesses during infrastructure failures, using a Berlin-based online shop’s recent experience as a case study. It underscores the urgent need for robust contingency planning in an increasingly digital economy.
(openPR) Berlin, September 11, 2025 – Elfen-Schmuck, an established Berlin-based online shop, has experienced firsthand how destabilizing a large-scale power outage can be for small businesses. The company points out the dangers and calls for better preparations. From September 9 to 11, 2025, the German capital Berlin, with its vibrant retail and service sector, was hit by a power outage of significant magnitude. For smaller establishments, such as the Elfen-Schmuck online shop, the interruption of the power supply posed a major challenge. The outage revealed the vulnerability of small businesses and served as a harsh reality check that prompted calls for change.
Over a period of 36 hours, Elfen-Schmuck’s systems came to a standstill. Customer inquiries went unanswered, shipping orders could not be processed, and security concerns prevented the reception of emails from outside.
Thanks to its own photovoltaic system, the company was still able to complete small tasks and provide assistance to the neighborhood. It was possible to cool medications and charge mobile phones.
Despite these experienced challenges, Elfen-Schmuck sees the crisis as an opportunity for improvement. A urgent appeal is made to businesses and policymakers to make better preparations for power outages.
Elfen-Schmuck presents itself as strong and resilient in times of crisis. These experiences and measures clearly show how small online shops can react in extreme situations and what protective measures can be taken.