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The Düsseldorf-based company Douglas GmbH describes itself as a perfumery - at least until Tuesday.

Because around a quarter of the 450 branches in Germany should now run under the label "drugstore".

The aim is to keep the stores open even during the tough lockdown that started on Wednesday.

Because, like all other retailers who do not offer everyday products, they should have closed.

According to the most recent decisions by Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and the country leaders, there are exceptions that affect weekly markets, health food stores, opticians, hearing aid acousticians, car and bicycle workshops, dry cleaners, laundromats, animal and feed markets, wholesalers and Christmas tree sales - but just not perfumeries.

But Douglas has found a loophole.

Perfumeries sometimes become drugstores.

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"In these branches we offer the majority of the classic drugstore range: body care products such as creams, shampoos, soaps, deodorants, make-up, perfumes and hygiene products," said a spokeswoman for WELT on Wednesday.

The branches in the “premium and luxury segment”, on the other hand, had a different range and remained closed.

The approach now threatens to become a PR fiasco.

Because on December 15th, the day before the new regulation came into force, Douglas boss Tina Müller posted the following post on Twitter:

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“We stand behind the resolutions to contain the pandemic!

Even if it is a bitter blow, as for all retailers in the Christmas season.

The health of our teams and customers have top priority.

If everyone makes their contribution, we can do it! "

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This is met with incomprehension on social media.

Many think that the procedure is “not showing solidarity”.

There are also wild insults and calls for a boycott.

But there is also encouragement from customers: The range is very similar to that of a drugstore.

When asked by WELT, the Düsseldorf-based company was unable to state how high the average proportion of drugstore products actually is in a Douglas branch.

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The case is also explosive because of an internal letter.

According to its content, the Hessian management of Douglas is calling on its employees to take action that could come close to deception.

The Ver.di Hessen union presented the paper to the German Press Agency; Douglas has yet to confirm its authenticity.

The letter that was first reported by “Bild” states, among other things: “Please move the following items away from the sales area before your store opens: Decorative items and jewelry, for example Douglas Bear, Tosh except reading glasses, tree decorations.

Our drugstore range should primarily be presented in the entrance area of ​​the store so that it is clear that we are a drugstore. "

"Explains to the officials that it is a drugstore"

In the case of controls, employees should proceed as follows: “Please do not hold aggressive discussions and avoid arguments.

Explain to the officials that it is a drugstore. "

And further: "Please have the IDs shown to you and note the names in the protocol template.

If the officials want to close the store, please raise an oral objection. "

The Ver.di union is alarmed.

Bernhard Schiederig, Head of Retail in Hesse, told the German Press Agency:

“Anyone who misinterprets the urgent lockdown and the permitted continuation of certain businesses in such a way not only makes himself implausible.

Douglas' approach is disreputable to the greatest extent, however pleasant the smell of the open shops may be.

That has to be stopped as soon as possible. ”Ver.di could not be reached on Wednesday afternoon to comment.

The Düsseldorf company Douglas contradicts the representation of the union.

The term “drugstore” is not legally specified;

one adheres to all applicable regulations.

A spokeswoman told the “Bild” newspaper in the morning: “Other large drugstore chains offer a comparable range.

We will implement all necessary hygiene measures and ensure that they are regularly checked. "

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In the industry you see things in a more differentiated way.

"Personal care products such as soaps, shampoos or hygiene products not only contribute to well-being in times of crisis, but also help concretely in coping with the pandemic," says Thomas Keizer, Managing Director of the Personal Care and Detergent Association.

Other businesses also find loopholes

"The best possible supply of these products to the population and keeping as many sales outlets open as possible with effective hygiene concepts is important," says Keizer.

"Incidentally, this also includes hairdressers and cosmetic studios."

But it is precisely these that must remain closed.

It seems Douglas isn't the only company to take advantage of every loophole on the first day of tough lockdown.

Some local newspapers report on open stationery stores, and a Berlin specialist perfumery also writes on its website: "Dear customers, we are staying open!"