Government sources: Reduced store hours not being considered

It is denied by government sources that the possibility of reducing shop hours is being considered, at least as a mandatory measure. This leaves room for commercial associations and bodies to make relevant decisions – which act as guidelines for their members, but without having the character of obligation.

The traders’ organizations have a meeting today at noon with the Minister of Development, Adonis Georgiadis, during which the matter is expected to be discussed.

The proposal for reduced opening hours was put on the table by the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce, which specifically requested that shops close two hours earlier to reduce energy costs.

As retail executives estimate, it is estimated that the measure would bring about a 50% reduction in energy consumption for these hours, or 5-7.5% of the total daily cost.

ESA President: To be applied to all stores

On the occasion of the public debate regarding the possible reduction of the market’s opening hours, the president of the Athens Chamber of Commerce, Stavros Kafounis, asked about it stated: “The difficult conditions we are experiencing today undoubtedly require brave interventions.

Closing the stores earlier could be one such, but the decision should be made based on the service of consumers on the one hand and on the other hand with the needs of commercial businesses, which by operating fewer hours will have to cope with the same obligations”.

The proposal has already been discussed at the Board of Trade of the Athens Chamber of Commerce, while as stated by Mr. Kafounis, in order to take this measure, it is necessary:

1. To be implemented by ministerial decision for all stores of all types, including super-markets, so that we do not face unfair competition again as in the recent past.
2. To be combined with the automatic subsidization of electricity costs, given that the reduction in hours will naturally result in energy savings.
3. To have a limited time force, for as long as the emergency conditions last.
4. To be given the opportunity flexible work to salaried workers so that their wages are not reduced.

“Once again the country’s business world seems willing to back down, contributing to the critical energy conservation problem facing the country. However, it is necessary for the state to support Greek trade in a targeted manner by subsidizing its energy and digital upgrade and freezing any possible increase in insurance contributions and other burdens. It is also necessary to create a final brave arrangement of all the debts that have accumulated over the last twelve years, with simultaneous rewarding of those who are consistent, so that anyone who wants and can strengthen the public coffers with their work”, emphasized Mr. Kafounis.

The proposed opening hours from Thessaloniki merchants

New proposed opening hours for shops in Thessaloniki were issued by the city’s Chamber of Commerce, taking into account the high cost of energy and predicting closed shops from earlier in the afternoon.

In particular, as stated by the ETH: “Due to the problems created by the energy crisis and the unforeseen difficulties of the coming winter, the decrease in market turnover and the Government’s demand for a reduction in electricity consumption, the Board of Directors of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce decided to propose reduced shop opening hours during the afternoon/evening hours.

It should be noted that limiting the energy consumption of stores was a proposal that was also discussed with the MEP and Co-Chair of Intergoup “Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development Ms. Maria Spyrakis, during an information event on the topic “Repower EU – An opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses” organized by the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce, in the context of its participation in the 86th I.E.Th.

Reduced opening hours of shops during the afternoon and evening hours, due to the problems created by the energy crisis, suggests the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce (ESTH).

Specifically, the merchants propose that from Monday, October 10, the operating hours be set up as follows:

• Monday: 10:00 to 16:00
• Tuesday: 10:00 to 19:00
• Wednesday: 10:00 to 16:00
• Thursday: 10:00 to 19:00
• Friday: 10:00 to 19:00
• Saturday: 10:00 to 16:00

Read the News today and get the latest news.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news.