[ad_1]
“The little ones that sell non-food goods, all other goods, can operate if the trade is done online or if the goods are delivered at home or at the collection point. They can be very simple, close to shops. Trading is not prohibited, you simply must not have contacts.
I called on major retail chains to voluntarily limit the range to reduce the flow of visitors to the retail chains. I heard that about 40 percent. and so that these flows have fallen, we continue to speak to reduce this crisis, “A. Armonaitė commented to journalists after the meeting.
When asked what range of products should be limited, the Minister did not mention specific products, but said that examples could be used abroad.
“It just came to our attention then. People probably need hygiene products,” he said.
“Today, as a minister, I called on myself to limit myself, because we hear that the situation does not change, we see infections in new and other things. I do not rule out that health professionals can already offer us a restriction as a Government. It seems to me better to limit myself voluntarily than to wait to be instructed from above ”, added the minister.
It was asked how the sale of some of the goods could be restricted to merchants.
“There are STOP tapes in some countries. Now there are chains where food is sold and other sales are restricted, they have put up fences, “he said.
The journalists also asked the ministers about another situation that had arisen. Building materials stores, like Senukai or Depo, continue to have open food departments. It is true that other sections are closed.
A. Armonaitė claims to have conducted an investigation on mystery shoppers.
“I visited several of those stores. Mainly trades in food, does not appear to be abusive. Don’t go out to buy boards or anything. Apparently, that range of food products can remain, ”he said.
Vainiene – Managers have listened and judged individually, buyers have fallen dramatically
Rūta Vainienė, President of the Lithuanian Trade Association Delphi says that it will not be possible to coordinate actions within the association due to competition law restrictions: each retail chain will have to make its own decisions. He does not fully support Minister Armonaitė’s proposal, as small traders, especially in the regions, are often the only way for buyers to “buy toothpaste”.
“Both parties listened very well, and not one, several, but all the issues related to trade were discussed. What we agree on one hundred percent is that the objective is shared, that the absolute priority is to control the pandemic, and for the government and companies. The commercial company must guarantee maximum security in purchases ”, says R. Vainienė.
He assured that government regulation on what goods can be bought in stores would not be “very smart and thoughtful,” and there are hardly any such examples in other countries. However, if there were a “top-down requirement, it would certainly be implemented without reservation or compromise on safety.”
“The most important thing to think about is the buyer who is very stressed. If I was afraid of a possible range restriction, I would go back to the store thinking it was the last chance to buy products, ”says R. Vainienė.
He assured that he spoke with the minister and presented him that since Wednesday the number of visits and the rotation has fallen “dramatically”, in some places by 40 percent, and each merchant is applying individual measures to guarantee security.
“It just came to our notice then. The meeting was attended by managers, lawyers, they listened directly to it and they can make some additional decisions and communicate about them. I really don’t know what they will be, and they don’t know yet because the meeting just ended. ( …) We cannot look for settled solutions to restrict competition law. As a result, everyone can have different restrictions, “says R. Vainienė.
He stressed that buyers should also have the right to purchase one or another product.
“Village residents may not be able to buy toothpaste online. It’s also about that person to think about. Lithuania is not just Vilnius, where everyone is civilized or can order online,” says R. Vainienė .
She acknowledged that she was not jealous of the minister’s responsibilities during the crisis.
“The conversation ended with the fact that the business needs both support measures, and the Minister is aware that they do not exist. This is one of the jobs that should be done as soon as possible, ”says R. Vainienė.
Delphi Remember that small traders are convinced that the introduction of a stricter quarantine distorts competition: because large retailers that sell food and other industrial products can continue to operate and not restrict the range of products sold, while small retailers who sell non-food products cannot continue to function; . This procedure was in effect during the first quarantine, in the spring.
Clarified what trade is allowed
The Ministry of Economy and Innovation recalled today that from Wednesday, January 31, stores can operate, including stores in shopping and entertainment centers, whose main activities are the sale of food, feed, veterinary medicine, pharmaceuticals, optics and orthopedic technical devices. Food is also available in markets and other public outlets.
Grocery stores are considered outlets where the widest range consists of food, beverages, and tobacco products. Stores that primarily sell non-food items should not be considered food outlets or should only have food outlets.
In stores, including those located in supermarkets, markets and other public points of sale, whose activities are not prohibited, 15 m2 M. m of commercial space per visitor or attended simultaneously by no more than one person. Other conditions established for the management of the flow of people, the maintenance of a safe distance, the necessary sanitary security, hygiene and the provision of people with the necessary personal protective equipment must also be guaranteed.
The Ministry of Economy and Innovation points out that all goods can be sold online, as well as by contacting the customer by phone and social networks. In this case, in accordance with all hygiene requirements, the merchandise must be delivered to your home or collected at collection points. You can pay for the merchandise both in cash and by card.
It is strictly forbidden to use the information published by DELFI on other websites, in the media or elsewhere, or to distribute our material in any way without consent, and if consent has been obtained, it is necessary to cite DELFI as the source.
[ad_2]
