Adidas has backed off a move to defer rent payments for closed shops after facing persistent criticism from the German government and others.
The Germany-based spots apparel maker apologized in an open letter Wednesday and said it had paid its landlords the rent for April.
It acknowledged that many people felt that its decision to seek the deferral of April rents had lacked solidarity, adding: “your opinion is clear: you are disappointed by Adidas.”
Non-essential shops have been closed in much of Europe and beyond in an effort to slow the coronavirus pandemic.
German Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht said over the weekend that it was “indecent and unacceptable” for financially strong companies not to pay their rent.
