Smaller shops outraged over supermarkets’ corona privilege

Dansk Bryggecenter and Dansk Retail concerned that government’s rules will distort competition and have serious long-term consequences

Many supermarket chains are taking advantage of the current coronavirus restrictions to sell more non-grocery items than they normally would. For example, many are noticeably expanding their sports equipment ranges to cater to home exercise needs.

This has outraged shop owners and has industry experts worried. They argue how this has both short and long-term effects. At the moment, this puts the supermarkets at an advantage in the market ands distorts competition. In the long run, it could affect customer behaviour and they might end up abandoning local businesses altogether in favour of the giants. 

As a response, several shop owners, trade associations and experts are calling for the prohibition of all non-food sales at the supermarkets.

Unfair and unreasonable
“It’s not fair that you are primarily a grocery shop that can remain open and sell other products such as clothing, building materials, porcelain or frying pans. Everything is allowed because you sell rye bread at the other end of the store,” the chief executive of Dansk Bryggecenter, Palle Thomsen, told Politiken.

Jens Birkeholm, the CEO of Dansk Retail, also expressed his concerns to Politiken. He believes the issue is not only the distorted market, but how the small shops have already lost out on significant revenue during the Christmas period, which could potentially end up with them permanently closing.

Worried voices are echoing the same sentiment, pointing out that if this continues, many small businesses might not survive the period and the competing supermarkets will only get stronger.

Supermarkets and the government react
Supermarket chain Bilka understands the criticism and frustration. However, it will continue with its current practices, arguing how it is chiefly about health measures and not about sales.

It points out that closing certain parts of the shops will create cramped spaces and prevent customers from practising safe social distancing.

The minister of trade and industry, Dan Jørgensen, has expressed similar views to TV2. He also added that the government has no future plans to interfere in the dispute. The help packages will continue to be paid out to help the small businesses stay afloat.




  • What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    As tradition has it, many Danes take a week off for Vinterferie next week. Or the week after. It’s a bit confusing, especially since Christmas and New Year’s Holiday are not far away. What’s going on?

  • The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    Denmark offers free public education, but private schools and universities for non-EU students require tuition. Language is a barrier, with international schools available for children and limited English-taught university programs. In 2024, Denmark expanded university seats for internationals and introduced an HF-international program in Aarhus.

  • Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF-international program in August, offering young adult internationals an alternative to IB programs with a focus on career-oriented education and Danish language learning. Unlike IB, it reduces academic pressure while providing access to vocational schools and professional bachelor’s degrees

  • Top Danish companies report strong financial performance

    Top Danish companies report strong financial performance

    Some of Denmark’s leading companies reported solid financial results for 2024, with Lundbeck, Demant, and Vestas seeing growth, while Pandora tackled rising production costs with price increases and cost-saving measures.

  • Greenland restricts foreign property purchases and election donations

    Greenland restricts foreign property purchases and election donations

    These days, the Greenlandic institutions are approving two new norms to restrict, reduce, or ban the possibility for foreign citizens to buy real estate on the island, as well as for political parties to receive large amounts of money from foreign donors.

  • “The retention of international labor is one of the biggest problems,” EY’s director says on integration 

    “The retention of international labor is one of the biggest problems,” EY’s director says on integration 

    In the interest of both native companies and international workers, Ernst & Young (EY) Head of Immigration Rikke Gahrn Wolfsen recommends a change within the Danish integration culture. “The retention of international labor is one of the biggest problems we’re facing at the moment,” she says.