Oxxo, FEMSA’s convenience store chain, has been the target of attacks by suspected members of organized crime in recent days. The chain confirmed to Expansión that in yesterday’s attacks in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, one of its stores was set on fire and another was shot, acts that caused the death of two women.
“During these terrible incidents, one of our collaborators and a young woman who had gone to present her job application died. At Oxxo we deeply regret these events and we will offer all our support to the families who suffered this irreparable loss,” the chain said in a press release.
With these facts, 27 Oxxo units were set on fire or attacked. Until the second quarter of this year, the chain had 20,668 stores in total, of which 20,196 are in Mexico. This business division contributes 36% of FEMSA’s total income.
The company added that these violent acts were immediately notified to the corresponding authorities. The company did not share whether it will deploy a specific security protocol for the areas where acts of violence are recorded.
On August 10, videos were shared on social networks showing images of Oxxo stores set on fire by attacks by alleged organized crime gangs in Jalisco and Guanajuato.
Then, the company confirmed that 25 stores in the state of Guanajuato were totally and partially set on fire: 20 in Irapuato, 3 in Celaya and 2 in León. “Fortunately, all of our collaborators and clients are doing well,” FEMSA’s Corporate Communications Department said at the time.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Self-Service and Department Stores (ANTAD) condemned the acts of violence, which have been generated in recent days in some municipalities of León, Celaya, Zapopan and Ciudad Juárez.
“We make a respectful call to the federal, state and municipal authorities responsible for security to reinforce and take the necessary measures to preserve the rule of law and an environment of peace to which all of us who live in this country have a right,” said the statement. association in a statement.
Oxxo has not been part of ANTAD since April of last year.
