ECONOMY

Local retailers bracing for yet another Sunday battle

The conflict between small and big players in commerce has been rekindled by a law provision allowing stores to open this Sunday, May 3, as it is the first Sunday of the spring sales period.

The National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce (ESEE) has not only offered its full backing to member-federations that have decided against the operation of retail stores this coming Sunday, but has called on all traders to keep their shops shut.

On the other hand, the Hellenic Retail and Business Association (SELPE), which represents retail chains, is urging consumers to go shopping on Sunday, promising major discounts.

In fact, both sides are trying to send their own message to the government, each with a diametrically opposite target. ESEE is asking the government to stick to its pledge to curtail Sunday opening, while SELPE is attempting to bring consumers over to its side to make Sunday opening necessary for the government through the increase in consumption. However, the feud actually boils down to the shrinking market which has resulted from the drop in disposable incomes.

SELPE reminded shoppers that its members, mainly the country’s supermarkets, will open their stores this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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