The retail trade is preparing for a restart next Monday, and although this is a positive development after the coronavirus quarantine, however, the questions are many and the uncertainty is great.
From the information available, it seems that all the individual stores on the shopping streets will be allowed to operate from May 4, regardless of the area of their premises. Probably they should apply as well as the supermarkets, one person per eight square meters and there may be a ceiling on the maximum number of people who can be in the store at the same time. However, the government is keeping a close eye on the details of the relaxation measures and everyone is waiting for today's announcements of the details. However, on the part of entrepreneurs, the next day comes with great worries and many questions.
However, on the part of entrepreneurs, the next day comes with great worries and many questions. First, once the operating ban is lifted, participation in the government plan, which provides for unemployment benefit for 90% of its staff, is automatically suspended. Of course, if the turnover shows a decrease of more than 25%, the companies will be able to join the other government plan, which provides for 60% of the employee's salary to be covered by state resources and the remaining 40% by the government itself. companies. On the other hand, of course, this will release state funds for their use at a later stage.
The estimates are that for items that are not essential, there will not be much demand since the fear of the virus is still "circulating", while consumer credit has been taken significantly. At the same time, the operating costs will be increased due to the observance of the hygiene rules that will be imposed: disinfection of premises, use of gloves, staff examinations. With these data, it is estimated that the first days of operation of the retail trade will be anything but profitable. However, in one way or another, it is estimated that the vast majority of businesses will choose to operate even with special arrangements in stores, in order to limit space and resources required.
After all, since there is not yet - and it seems that it will be difficult to find - some institutionalized regulation on the issue of rents, another large cost continues to run and is left to the good intentions of each landlord at this stage any regulation. This is an issue that is acknowledged to be difficult to regulate and the alternative being considered is to make some voluntary arrangements and if necessary and is it possible for the government to support the owners against the losses they will have.
However, the Ministry of Finance, in its response to the suggestions of the parties, commented that "the declared rents amount to € 600 million per year, while it is estimated that a large part of the rents are not declared".
At the end of the day, however, any action of restarting the economy is considered positive both in practical terms and in terms of improving the general consumer psychology.
Source: philenews