Branches of BILLA, BILLA PLUS, PENNY and for the first time also BIPA will be closed on 8.12.

The employees in the food trade, but also in the specialised drugstore trade, are at work every day to ensure the basic supply of the people in Austria. "It is almost a tradition for us to refrain from opening the doors for our employees on 8 December. With this additional day off, we want to relieve our teams at more than 2,000 locations during the often stressful pre-Christmas period and offer them the opportunity to run their own errands, pursue their hobbies or spend time with their families and friends," said Marcel Haraszti, REWE International AG Management Board member.

REWE International AG Management Board member Michael Jäger adds: "As a sign of appreciation for the great commitment and tireless efforts of our employees in all Penny shops throughout Austria, the doors will once again remain closed on 8 December. As a thank you for their valuable work, we want to give them and their families a little time off to relax."

Only a few selected locations in shopping centres as well as at railway stations or at Vienna International Airport will remain open.