Berlin's Easy Apotheke shuts down after lease dispute triggers insolvency
A well-known pharmacy in western Berlin, such as a or a , has closed after its owner, Sohir Ammar, filed for insolvency. The shutdown of the Easy Apotheke on Wilmersdorfer Straße came as a surprise, given that the business had been profitable. The issue stemmed not from poor performance but from a lease dispute and financial obligations tied to the property.
Ammar acquired two Easy Apotheke locations in 2023, including the now-closed branch on Wilmersdorfer Straße. The problems began when the property owner decided not to renew the lease, aiming to repurpose the space. This forced both the pharmacy and a neighbouring clothing store to vacate the premises.
The lease termination left Ammar responsible for ongoing financing costs, pushing her into a seven-figure liability. Had the lease been extended, insolvency could have been avoided. Despite the closure, the second location on Kurfürstendamm remains open, retaining its eight employees.
The insolvency process is set to conclude by August 2026. While no official plans for the Wilmersdorfer Straße site have been announced, speculation suggests it could reopen as a pharmacy. However, doing so would require a new pharmacy concession from Berlin's pharmaceutical authority, proof of public need, and compliance with strict building and pharmaceutical regulations.
The closure highlights how lease disputes can disrupt even thriving businesses. Ammar's financial troubles were specific to this situation, not broader industry struggles. For now, the future of the Wilmersdorfer Straße location remains uncertain, with no confirmed plans from the property owner.
