“Now we need a quick extension of the economic aid for the sectors particularly affected and a quick implementation of the positive incentives for vaccination that have been required for a long time,” said WK boss Harald Mahrer.
High sales losses are inevitable
Trade spokesman Rainer Trefelik once again warned against high losses today: “With this measure, specialist stores have to shut out around 35 percent of potential customers, so high sales losses are inevitable.” In particular, retail companies that are dependent on events would have had to cope with a drop in sales of up to 50 percent in the past year. The situation for traders in inner city locations, in tourist areas and for market traders is just as critical.
And he touches on a chapter that caused disputes within trade the previous year. This “unpleasant topic of product range delimitation is again massively striking,” he warned on Sunday afternoon. “Unvaccinated people can buy everything from washing machines to textiles and toys in supermarkets and drugstores, and specialist retailers would have to turn them away. Customers break away, but the running costs such as rent and staff remain in full. That is unacceptable Situation, “said Trefelik.
The private trade association pointed out again today that it expects a loss of sales of up to 350 million euros per week. The association is calling for a “new” sales replacement for all affected dealers. Because now the Christmas wages would be due, the beginning Christmas business was “in limbo”.
Schallenberg calmed down
Meanwhile, Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (VP) gave reassuring words at today’s press conference. He referred to various aid programs such as loss compensation or the reduction in VAT in the catering industry, which would continue until the end of the year. “The finance minister said he would look at it,” said Schallenberg. He referred to the already applicable 2G rule, which would have largely anticipated the Corona regulation presented today. “We want a safe winter,” warned the Chancellor.
Interior Minister Karl Nehammer (VP) was cautious about the exact process of the 2G controls in retail. Basically nothing will change for the employees – except that the police will check. This is done according to eye, as an example he cited a small dealer with a full bar, for whom it is not easy to control everything.
Source From: Nachrichten
