Large amount of German retailer CAP employees have a handicap

The German chain CAP's supermarkets are regular food shops with one difference: a large amount of the employees has a handicap. Germany now has over 100 of these CAP supermarkets, the German website nwzonline.de reports.

The first CAP supermarket was opened in Stuttgart 15 years ago. "They plan to open seven to eight new locations throughout Germany this year," says Thomas Heckmann of the cooperation of work placements for people with handicaps in south Germany, who coordinates the CAP project. Heckmann contacts suppliers and is involved in marketing among other things from the main office in Sindelfingen.

The CAP stores arise in a franchise system in parts of towns that other supermarket chains pulled out of. "We provide an opportunity to shop in your own area," says Heckmann. This is especially important for older people. "CAP supermarkets create a win-win situation: for the local people and for people with a handicap."

Just as in other supermarkets the employees have to take products, serve customers of check the bottle machine. But not everyone is able to do everything. This is why almost twice as many people work in a CAP supermarket compared to a regular supermarket. The supermarkets have no need to make a profit. They only have to "note a black zero", Heckmann emphasises. The supermarkets receive subsidies through compensation levies. This levy is paid by companies who do not employ people with handicaps.