Opening of DIY and hardware stores in Spain demanded

Active Covid-19 cases in Spain. Source: Foro Regulación Inteligente.

In Spain, demands are getting louder for large-scale home improvement centres, hardware stores and building materials suppliers to reopen. The think tank Foro Regulación Inteligente has spoken out about this with an extensive analysis. As an argument, it not only details the 8 000 stores and 150 000 employees of the retailers and suppliers as well as the overall industry sales of EUR 9 mio in its theory paper, but also the role of this branch of trade and its product range as "the home's pharmacy". In addition, the study points out that Spain, in comparison to its European neighbours, would be an exception if these businesses were to remain closed. It states further that in particular the large-scale DIY stores have the possibility of guaranteeing distancing and safety rules.