Douglas is closing twelve branches on Saturday due to youth protests

At the request of the German Press Agency (dpa), a spokeswoman explained that precautionary measures had been taken at selected locations based on a risk assessment. "This also includes the preventive closure of twelve particularly exposed stores on October 31st." The company did not disclose where these branches are located.

In addition, appropriate safety precautions have been taken at affected locations. The company did not provide any further information “for security reasons.” The aim is to offer employees a safe working environment. “Basically, we hope that the announced demonstrations will be peaceful,” the spokeswoman continued. At the end of June, Douglas had 347 branches in Germany.

The initiative “Gen Z regulates” or “Gen Z stands up” has called for protests in 30 cities on October 31st. Among other things, she advocates for more climate protection, for measures against rising living costs and against compulsory military service. The Federal Student Conference has meanwhile distanced itself from the planned protests on Saturday and is planning its own demo - also out of fear of riots.

Kö protects luxury stores from possible riots

After the riots and looting in France, Italy and other countries, there are safety concerns in the retail sector. The first traders on Düsseldorf's Königsallee have started to protect their shops from possible riots. Two days before the rallies, you could already see scaffolding and plywood panels in front of high-end boutiques on the boulevard.

True to the motto "We have nothing to loot," the Kö dealers wanted to clear their shop windows and even their shops to be on the safe side, said the managing director of the Königsallee interest group, Andrea Greuner, to the dpa in Düsseldorf.

Some jewelry and clothing stores in particular planned to close all day, while others wanted to board up their shop windows and facades. No retailer needs broken, expensive special glass panes during the Christmas business.

“We all don’t know what’s coming,” said Greuner. "That's prevention." But everyone has the images from France in mind - especially the international luxury brands, whose stores in Paris have already been affected by riots.

On the campaign homepage of the “Gen Z regulates” initiative, more than 5,000 people announced that they wanted to be there in Düsseldorf. But that is non-binding. According to the police, only one private person has officially announced a demonstration against social cuts with 500 participants in the state capital.

However, the emergency services also have an eye on where provocations are being incited on social networks. There are fears that chaotic people who want to create sensational images by rioting could mingle with the students.

Will there be massive looting like in France on Saturday? In advance, there is growing concern about excessive violence in cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Frankfurt. A confidential paper shows how the BKA assesses the matter.