[ad_1]
Douglas had recently interpreted the currently stricter corona measures at least very advantageously. Since pharmacy items are predominantly sold, the perfume chain wanted to keep almost a quarter of the branches open. The criticism was fierce, now the head of the company, Tina Müller, has given up.
“For many, the decision to keep some branches with pharmacy ranks open was incomprehensible,” Müller writes on Twitter. As of today, all German branches will be closed until further notice. “We apologize to everyone who has alienated or offended us with our approach.”
The Ver.di union in Hessen had previously spoken of a “shameful undermining of the closure”. The perfumery declared itself a pharmacy overnight. “Anyone who misinterprets the urgent closing and permitted continuation of certain transactions in such a way not only becomes untrustworthy,” said Bernhard Schiederig, head of trade at Ver.di Hessen.
Other merchants also use locking holes
Douglas had defended the starts Wednesday. At the branches, the company finally offers body care products such as creams, shampoo, soap, deodorants and makeup. “According to the resolution, these can be sold expressly,” said a spokeswoman. “The term pharmacy itself is not legally specified.” It was also only a small part of the branches.
It is not known exactly why Douglas is now changing his position. One thing is clear: The company is by no means the only retail chain trying to maintain at least part of its business despite the closure. When regulations allow, DIY stores, bookstores, or electronics stores, for example, use their actually closed stores as collection points for products ordered online or by phone.
