Even the most established brands are threatened by the economic crisis. And this famous chain of stores is no exception to the rule. It plans to close 3 of its stores. 74 positions are threatened.
Nature & Découvertes, the emblematic brand of natural and eco-responsible products announced this Thursday, May 16, the planned closure of 3 of its stores in France. This decision, which threatens 74 jobs, comes against a difficult economic context for the retail sector. It also echoes the succession of bankruptcy filings announced by famous brands in the textile industry such as Naf Naf, Camaïeu, Pimkie or more recently Spirit.
Founded in 1990, Nature & Découvertes has stood out for its commitment to nature and well-being. And although the brand is firmly established, it is not spared from the current economic difficulties, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in consumption habits.
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A difficult economic context
“Impacted by a difficult economic context since the end of Covid-19, Nature & Découvertes is considering a reorganization, including a reduction in staff and the closure of 3 stores, despite the numerous initiatives put in place”. This is what the Fnac Darty group, the brand’s parent company, said last Thursday. Nature & Découvertes which indicates on its website that it has 113 points of sale – of which 95 stores and 6 “corners” is suffering the full brunt of the crisis, like many other brands. In causes? The effects of the Covid-19 crisis a significant drop in attendance at physical stores, new modes of consumption and an economic situation pressurizing businesses.
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In response to this situation, the brand plans to closure of 3 of its worst performing stores. This measure aims to rationalize costs and concentrate resources on the most important points of sale. profitable. The affected stores have not yet been specified, but the closure directly threatens 74 jobs, a hard blow for the employees concerned.
74 positions are threatened
According to the CGT, the “removal of 74 positions” would concern 10 positions in logistics, 18 at head office and 46 in stores. A wave of layoffs which would result from “thea closure of at least three stores” as mentioned by management during a CSE meeting.
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However, the eco-responsible product company has not yet made a firm decision on this matter. She is “currently in discussion with social partners” and said that she “will do everything possible to support the teams concerned in the best conditions and encourage their reclassification”. But the union is not of this opinion. According to the CGT members, the management of Nature & Découvertes “tries to pass a job protection plan unnoticed” and indicates in a press release “wanting to do everything possible to maintain jobs and stop this social breakdown.”