Retailers are making suggestions for a gradual return to normality
The retail sector is preparing for the period after the store closures imposed due to the coronavirus crisis and is making it clear in a ten-point plan where the sticking points for the industry are. The German Trade Association (HDE), together with its state and federal trade associations, emphasizes above all the great importance of uniform nationwide regulations that should not discriminate against retailers because of their industry affiliation or the size of their sales areas.
“The HDE is calling on politicians to approve the opening of all retailers as soon as this is justifiable in terms of health policy. Because companies are losing billions of dollars a day due to store closures. 1,7 million jobs depend on the currently closed dealers. If the shops in the city centers have to close across the board for a long time, there is a risk of a huge wave of bankruptcies,” said HDE managing director Stefan Genth. The regulations after the store closures are, above all, about a well-coordinated approach by the federal, state and local authorities. The gradual return to orderly business operations should take place according to uniform, non-discriminatory guidelines for the entire retail sector. “Relaxation of shop closures must not be based on company sizes, sales areas or retail sectors. Otherwise, this will lead to distortions of competition, legal uncertainty and collective uncertainty,” continued Genth. “Trade needs uniform, clear and uncomplicated regulations.
In order to revive consumer sentiment, which has recently fallen to an all-time low, the trade associations are calling for consumption checks to be issued to citizens and for the solidarity surcharge to be completely abolished. “After the phase of shop closures, the federal government must help the domestic economy get back on its feet,” said Genth. This not only supports trade, but also the service sector and industry. With the shop closures, inner cities are also at risk. That is why the trade associations are campaigning for additional incentives for the period after the exit restrictions. Genth: “A city center fund is needed to protect the city centers from being sold off.” In addition, urban development funding should be expanded up to and including 2021.
