The leather and glove manufacturer A. Gänslen jr. was the place to work for future tanners. The company was established in 1888, when hides were converted to leather using alum and salt through a process called tawing in the location known today as City Mall. Tawer journeymen from all parts of Germany acquired their trade in Metzingen. In 1897, they played an essential role in the foundation of a social-democratic workers’ association.

After the manufacturer‘s insolvency, one of Metzingen’s first supermarkets opened at the location around 1970, which since the turn of the millennium has been redeveloped in several phases to become today’s City Mall as a part of OUTLETCITY METZINGEN.