Less effort, more overview
The Grosse Freiheit 36 on the Reeperbahn has been using itemdrop since March 2025. Managing Director Sebastian reports how the system has improved the club's operation with over 2,000 guests per evening.
The Grosse Freiheit 36 is one of the most famous clubs in Germany – a Hamburg institution right in the middle of the Reeperbahn. Where the Beatles once performed, over 2,000 guests now celebrate there regularly each evening. Since March 2025, the club has been one of the first large establishments to implement the digital cloakroom system from itemdrop. Managing director Sebastian explains why this step was long overdue – and how the operation has changed since then.
The challenge
The solution
Sebastian was therefore specifically looking for a system that simplifies processes.
“I wanted a system that works worry-free – without follow-up, without chaos, without cash. I looked at some other providers, e.g., a system with an app or QR codes, but all of that was too complicated for me. itemdrop was the only system that was truly well thought out.”
After several discussions, the team decided to take the leap consistently – without parallel operation. “We tested the system directly under full load, on a weekend with concert and club operations. After a short training session, the staff was ready – and the implementation went surprisingly smoothly.”
Quick implementation, smooth operation
The shift to cashless payment was implemented immediately. "A few guests were surprised that they could no longer pay in cash, but that was resolved quickly.
The feedback from the team was consistently positive. "Our employees adapted quickly. Today, the entire coat check process runs more smoothly: everyone can independently handle payments and hang up jackets. This makes us more flexible and saves a huge amount of time."
Schnellere Prozesse – jeder Mitarbeiter kann jetzt selbstständig kassieren und aufhängen. „Dadurch sind sie viel flexibler. Und ich glaube, das macht den Leuten auch viel mehr Spaß, weil sie einfach nicht abhängig sind von einem anderen Mitarbeiter."
Bessere Personalplanung – „Wir können viel besser einschätzen, welche Garderoben wie stark genutzt werden. Das hilft uns enorm bei der Planung."
Gäste entspannter, Personal zufriedener – „Der Ablauf in der Nacht ist viel ruhiger, viel entspannter. Das Erlebnis ist sowohl für die Gäste als auch für das Personal besser geworden."
The results
The biggest aha moment came right after the first weekend:
"On Mondays, suddenly there were hardly any emails about lost jackets. The effort has decreased by up to 90 percent. In the past, we had guaranteed incidents after every weekend – now maybe only every six weeks or so."
Handling cash is also a thing of the past. "No counting, no change, no employee theft, no risk – that is a real security advantage. And at the same time, we now have full transparency about revenues and occupancy, in real-time and across all four locations."
Conclusion: A win for guests, team, and operation
“Our employees are working much more relaxed today, guests are passing through faster and we have a clear overview of everything – without paper, without cash, without follow-up,” Sebastian summarizes.
His advice to other club operators is clear:
Sebastian, Managing Director, Grosse Freiheit 36
Read the entire interview
Read the entire interview with the management of Grossen Freiheit 36.
