“26/8/2014- Dutch high street retail group Hema is phasing out Sinterklaas’s controversial helper Zwarte Piet from gift packaging and displays, the Parool reports on Tuesday. Although chocolate Piets and Piet wrapping paper will be available this year, this is because they have already been ordered, the Parool says, citing a company email. The email, said to come from sales director Rob Heesen, reportedly states there will be very few Zwarte Piets on the shop’s packaging from next year. The email was sent to anti-Piet campaign group Malle Piet, the Parool said. Hema on Tuesday afternoon issued a statement saying it is not getting rid of Piet. ‘There are still Piets in our collection. We are following the general discussion and we respect the guidelines that flow from it,’ the company said in the online statement. 'Everything has already been bought for December 5 and we cannot say anything about next year.’”
— I CARE - - News - Internet Centre Anti Racism Europe – Netherlands: Hema reportedly ‘phasing out’ Zwarte Piet, critics call for boycott