Pact's closing date remains undecided by the Commission.
The Müller branch in the heart of Apolda, Thuringia, is set to close its doors permanently by mid-2026, leaving the property vacant and potentially affecting a significant number of local customers who have relied on the store for their shopping needs.
The decision to close the branch was primarily influenced by a combination of economic and strategic factors. Declining sales and profitability, increased competition from other retailers and online shopping options, cost efficiency measures, changes in consumer behavior, and corporate restructuring are believed to have played a role in the closure.
The Apolda branch has been operating at a loss, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the attractiveness of the location has deteriorated over the years, according to Müller. Despite all efforts, the decision to close the branch remains final.
The closure may have implications for the local economy, as it could lead to job losses. However, efforts are being made to find a new home for the cats currently housed in the cat shelter within the Müller branch in Thuringia. Animal lovers in the region are distressed due to the closure, as it was the only location housing a cat shelter.
Political pressure, a petition with over 2,000 signatures, and direct communication between Mayor Olaf Müller (CDU) and company founder Erwin Müller have not been able to change the company's decision.
For more information about the closure of the Müller branch in Apolda, check out the "Thuringian General". The Müller branch in Thuringia has been providing customers with a variety of products, including toys, stationery, perfumes, hygiene, and beauty products. The closure marks the end of an era for the drugstore chain, which has been in operation since 1953.
The closure of the Müller branch in Apolda could impact the local home-and-garden and lifestyle sectors, as shoppers may struggle to find alternative locations for these products.
The decline in physical shopping can be seen with the closure, as increased competition from online shopping options and changes in consumer behavior contribute to the downfall of brick-and-mortar stores.
