What: Facing slow traffic and sales, Inno has decided to benefit from the government measures put in place to deal with the health crisis. However, the entire network, owned by the German group Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof, keeps all its points of sale open.

Why it is important: Inno has not experienced a post-Covid recovery and is now facing another crisis with the war in Ukraine having an impact on inflation, oil prices and energy. As a result, Belgian consumers are rather cautious.

Half of the sales staff and a quarter of executives (altogether roughly 700 people) are affected by temporary leave until the end of June, except for the week of May 2, during which the 125th anniversary of the department store will be celebrated. Unemployed employees will be paid 70% of their salary.

Half of Belgian department store's Inno staff on temporary leave (French)