From the Med to the Atlantic

Compared with other countries in central Europe, Spain and Portugal are quite poor nations, heavily in debt and still not fully over the effects of the 2008 recession. When the coronavirus pandemic broke out, the Portuguese people, its political parties and government were swift to react by closing ranks. By contrast, Spain responded to the crisis very late and hesitantly.
At the start of the pandemic, customers in Spain turned increasingly to shopping online. Rafael Martinez-Avial of Tiendanimal reports that sales doubled, while the number of purchases in stationary stores also increased. "Service, speed and reliable delivery became the major challenges for our work in this phase," recounts the Tiendanimal boss. In the stores, extensive hygiene measures, access restrictions and safety distancing were introduced. "Despite the coronavirus pandemic, our short- and medium-term plans for expansion have been maintained and even strengthened," says Rafael Martinez-Avial in conclusion.
It's a similar picture at the company's Spanish rival Kiwoko: "We have provided pet owners with assistance in the form of information, videos and advice on how to adapt to this phase and help their pets," a company spokeswoman states. Kiwoko focused more than ever on social engagement, keeping its stores open and also its veterinary clinics for emergency cases. "The necessary hygiene and disinfection measures were prioritised in all our facilities as well as additional safety precautions for our teams and the customers," stated Kiwoko. A stronger bond was observed between people and their pets, as people were spending more time at home. Many families were emboldened to adopt a pet, because they had more time to care for them.

Petlandia/Petoutlet stores. He saw the coronavirus pandemic as an invisible enemy that could seriously endanger his life's work that he had spent 30 years developing: "If you have a company that has specialised in personal service and contact with the customers, this crisis presents a challenge that you have to overcome. But this challenge also offers opportunities to improve further."The entrepreneur had to manage 40 stores, adapting each store individually to its customers and environment with different schedules and structures, as stores in shopping malls are different from high street stores. "We were able to maintain our commitment to our customers and we have succeeded in satisfying everyone's…