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The second hard blockade in Austria came to an end after just under three weeks and operations were reopened. The rush through the shops was already high on Monday, although the dreaded rush did not materialize. This could be different on Tuesday, which is open for sale. Faced with the dreaded onslaught, the government called on the population to spread the “need for shopping” in the days leading up to Christmas.
AUSTRIA. Many Austrians will probably use the holiday to buy Christmas gifts. Maria Conception has always been a busy shopping day. Now there are fears that this may also be the case this year, during the corona pandemic. After nearly three weeks in a tough lockdown, he should have built up a lot. Therefore, this year the opening hours have been extended as an exception.
Extended opening hours
In order to equalize the influx of customers, this year purchases can be made between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm This represents an additional burden for many business employees who have to work during Mary’s holidays. Only a few retail chains do not open, because otherwise employees would have to pay surcharges and time compensation. Major malls and shopping streets benefit the most from the holidays.
December 8 – Conception of Mary
There was no rush of customers on Monday
However, the dreaded flood of customers on the first shopping day after the second closing did not materialize on Monday. Shopping center operators and retailers reported dynamic activity, but it was not an excessive rush. “It’s probably related to the fact that the restaurant sector as a major frequency generator of commerce will be closed until at least January 7,” said Rainer Will, managing director of the trade association. However, the industry expects the rush to increase on Maria’s Day.
The policy appealed to the population: “There are still many days to Christmas”
Politicians urged the population to exercise restraint due to the feared attack on commerce. Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) said on Monday: “There are still many days until Christmas” and “the sun keeps rising. The stores keep opening the next day.”
Health Minister Rudolf Anschober (Greens) also appealed: “Please don’t rush into shopping malls the first few days, there will be plenty of shopping opportunities even after December 8.”
Strict controls and severe penalties
Interior Minister Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) announced an increase in controls: “Especially on shopping streets, reinforced strips will monitor compliance with Covid rules.” Failure to comply with applicable Corona rules threatens criminal mandates and reports of organs. “The fines from the health authorities are very high! Up to 1,450 euros”, warned Nehammer.
Criticism of discount campaigns
The numerous discount campaigns of some distributors caused a lack of understanding in the industry. The Chamber of Commerce had previously appealed to refrain from discount battles. However, many distributors advertised promotions of up to minus 50 percent.
GPA union member Barbara Teiber harshly criticized these discount drives. These could generate massive crowds. As a reminder: there must be at least ten square meters of space available for each client. Masks are still necessary for both customers and employees.
The rush was limited on the first shopping day.
