Migros Makes A Stand Against High Prices; Wood Construction Mystery Solved; Record Crowd at Fantasy Basel

News For 7 May 2019

Swiss supermarket Migros recently began boycotting 19 shampoos and conditioners from German personal care brand Nivea, which is owned by the Hamburg-based company Beiersdorf Global AG. Migros is targeting these products in order to protest the high prices it has to pay in comparison with other retailers abroad. Commenting on the issue, the retailer sent out the following message on Twitter: "...Beiersdorf AG demands... purchase prices which are sometimes well above the sales price abroad. That's why we currently have a stop on orders...We are committed to fair prices." Migros believes there are 2 ways in which Nivea products can get back on the shelves: through successful negotiations with Beiersdorf or by finding alternative sellers of the same products. Negotiations are still ongoing, but it is unclear when the two parties will find a solution. However, the products which remain in stock are currently being offered with a price reduction of 50 percent, so if you want Nivea shampoos for a good bargain, the sale lasts until Saturday, May 11th! 

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If you've walked or driven past the construction site at Basler Park near the SBB you probably noticed that the tower under construction is fitted with more than 600 wooden logs.  You may have even wondered if this is part of some architectural design meant to highlight the building's eco-friendliness.  In fact, the contractors are using the wood as a substitute for standard metal scaffolding as a temporary support while concrete and other materials are properly secured.  Wood, apparently is about four times as effective as a metal substitute, more stable and at the end of their useful life on constructions sites can be up-cycled into other wood-based products.  When construction is finished, the wood pilings will be removed, and, will not be visible on the facade of the building.

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Fantasy Basel took place last weekend setting a new record for attendance at the CosPlay expo. For the uninitiated, CosPlay involves dressing up and stepping out, typically as one's favorite comic-book, movie, video game, or fantasy genre character. In addition, the expo hosts comic-book and gaming vendors, panels with famous authors of the genre and contests for those in costume. The weekend-long event hosted 54,000 guests, 2000 more than last year, making Basel a prominent space in the world of comic cons and Cosplay. This years Fantasy Basel took place on May the 4th weekend, a holiday for avid Star Wars fans, which probably explains the massive influx of attendees this year. Organizers have announced that Next Year's Fantasy Basel will take place from the 21st to the 23rd of May so save the date.