Müller, the drugstore chain, had been exploring a large‑scale entry into the Chinese market with its own stores but has now decided to postpone that plan. Instead, the company will focus on opening new outlets in Europe, confirmed to the “Handelsblatt” in its Friday edition. A company spokesperson said: “During the current phase, Müller has chosen to concentrate its expansion on Europe, particularly the newly entered markets of Slovakia and the Czech Republic”. Other European countries are currently being evaluated.
The China plans had been very concrete. The expansion was to start in Shanghai’s financial and high‑tech district of Pudong. Müller representatives had intensive, open and constructive talks with the local development company. As Chu Tongzhou, head of Müller’s operations in China, announced at a conference in Pudong, the firm had already begun selecting a site for its first pharmacy and aimed for a launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. The strategy envisaged as many as 500 stores in China over the next five years.
Now the company has put this investment project on hold, though not abandoned it entirely. “At this time, we are not proceeding with talks in Pudong” the company stated, adding that both sides remain open to resuming contact if new opportunities arise.