The extension of the blockade costs commerce a billion

The extension of the blockade will cost national retailers a billion euros, estimates the trade association. A fourth blockage of the crown should be avoided, demands the interest group.

AUSTRIA. After Health Minister Anschober announced on Monday that the third lockdown would last until January 24, Rainer Will, managing director of the trade association, speaks of “bad news.” As a result of the third blockade, Austrian commerce lost sales worth almost 4 billion euros. The extension of the lockdown from January 17 to January 24 only resulted in a decrease in sales of up to one billion euros. “January is traditionally an important sales month for commerce, as people redeem gifts of money and coupons and exchange goods after Christmas,” Will said in a broadcast. At least two-thirds of lost sales in the retail sector are irretrievably lost. Seasonal inventory becomes de facto unsaleable.

The company is running out of air

The commercial president Trefelik criticizes the “political ping-pong, political party” behind the backs of the companies. Commercial companies “would slowly run out of air.” The representative also calls for security in the short and medium term planning of the companies. The design of crown aid for supplier companies indirectly affected by the crown crisis is also open.

HV: must lower the ceiling of 800,000 euros for replacement of sales

The trade association is now pushing for more state aid. The 800,000 euro limit on replacement sales must be dropped and the replacement must also be paid for the entire third lockdown, Will demands. A fourth crown lock should be avoided at all costs.

The interest group considers a maximum stay in the store conceivable to further reduce the risk of infection. In addition, a clear vaccination strategy is needed for food business employees, who are part of the critical infrastructure. Talks with the federal government have already begun. The trade association also reiterated its demand to establish positive incentives in the form of Austrian controls in order to motivate the population to “try voluntarily”. As a thank you, you should receive a 50 euro coupon, which you can redeem at local companies with a branch in Austria, the trade association requires.

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