In an effort to prevent the collapse of its retail network, Germany came up with new legislation that enables stores to defer rent payments for the month of April. Adidas has decided to test whether the rules apply to everyone by announcing that it would not pay rent in its German stores, nor would it pay the rent later. The footwear giant, which critics point out has billions sitting around in cash, appears to be betting on the protective legislation to protect it from eviction. There’s anger over the brand’s willingness to exploit laws intended to help smaller store owners or groups that are genuinely struggling to remain solvent. And it may not be alone, according to Footwears News, which reports that other heavyweights such as H&M and Deichmann are considering deferring rent payments as well.
