DIY stores want to save money, but not close down across the board

There will be no nationwide closures of DIY stores in Germany in order to save costs. This is the assurance given by the BHB trade association in a statement, responding to an emerging debate in the German industry. According to the association, the energy issue poses significant challenges for large-format DIY stores. This is where sharply increased gas and electricity prices are also accompanied by further, massive increases in purchase prices. As part of the national effort to save energy called for by the German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Robert Habeck, the industry is thinking about further savings levers at many points that go beyond the current measures.

"Our most important message is that retail will always prioritise a continuous supply to customers in all its conceivable reactions and measures to reduce costs and will also not lose sight of the employee situation. Nationwide closures of companies in the sector in the worst-case scenario have never been and will never be an option," emphasises BHB managing director Peter Wüst. Retailers are thinking as a precaution about many other ways to save money, such as a selective shortening of opening hours, however, according to the association.