French court allows Printemps to re-open

Printemps Paris Haussmann

French department store Printemps received court approval on May 26 to re-open its flagship store on Paris’ boulevard Haussmann on May 28, save for catering activities which have not yet received authorization.

The retailer challenged the May 13 court order, which ruled that the department store had to remain closed until July 10.

Most stores in France were allowed to re-open on May 11, except for shopping centers covering more than 40,000m2, which needed to have permission to operate from local authorities.

Lawyer for Printemps Vincent Brenot said that the court took into consideration that Printemps separates its departments, like men’s, women’s and health & beauty, into different sections.

The layout means walkways are delineated and each have clear entrances and exits.

Printemps also argued that its catchment area is limited to the living area in the absence of tourists, and that strict hygiene protocols have been established in advance by the department store’s teams.

The new guidelines include mandatory face masks, use of hydro-alcoholic gel upon entry, intensified cleaning and social distancing measures.