Trade association criticizes the lack of opening prospects even after the economic summit
After today's economic summit, the German Trade Association (HDE) welcomes the announcement by the Federal Minister of Economics that government bridging aid should in future also be available to companies with an annual turnover of more than 750 million euros. The HDE had been demanding this for months. However, the association continues to advocate for further changes to Corona aid and insists on a transparent and fair opening perspective for trade.
“This is a good day for many larger retail companies and therefore also for many city centers. The state is finally helping retailers with an annual turnover of over 750 million as part of the bridging aid. We have been fighting for this for months,” said HDE President Josef Sanktjohanser. Regardless of size, the need is huge for all retailers affected by the lockdown. However, the HDE continues to advocate for the creation of an opportunity to pay an entrepreneur's salary. Otherwise, many owners of small and medium-sized businesses risk falling into poverty.
However, there are other necessary adjustments, such as the synchronization of compensation and closure periods. And the trade association still sees a need for action when it comes to the unequal treatment with the catering industry in December aid. While restaurants here would receive sales compensation, retailers would previously receive a fixed cost subsidy for the days they were closed in December.
In addition, as before, the HDE is calling for a transparent and fair opening perspective for retailers that are currently closed. “Politicians must quickly fulfill their promise of a uniform plan for exiting the lockdown. The current lack of clarity is further unsettling companies in this difficult situation. There have to be clear words and guidelines,” continues Sanktjohanser. Retailers have proven in the last few months that even with incidence rates over 50 or 35, they can use their functioning hygiene concepts to ensure that shopping does not become a hotspot. This is particularly evident in the food area, which is open all day long. Sanktjohanser: “Political decision-makers must now ensure transparency with clear and comprehensible statements. We are currently experiencing a mess at the state and federal level.” It is high time for a nationwide step-by-step plan.
