While the Nicolas brand only continued its commercial activities online since the implementation of containment measures, its stores will again be accessible in April. Strict measures, such as compulsory card payment, will be applied in its stores which will reopen "gradually".

"Most" of the 500 or so stores owned by wine merchant Nicolas will reopen in April after taking steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the brand said in a statement on Thursday. Following the containment measures decided by the government, "Nicolas had decided to close each of his stores and had continued his activity via his online delivery service", explains the brand in a press release. Wine merchants were, however, among the businesses that could remain open.

Only one customer at a time per store

During this period of closure, Nicolas implemented a "security plan" tested in voluntary stores, "in order to best protect customers and employees". In particular, it plans to bring one customer into the store at a time, and to authorize only credit card payments.

Progressive reopenings

"Following these measures, most stores will be able to reopen in April," further explains Nicolas' statement, which states that these openings "will be done gradually."