When fall comes comes the discussion of a mask requirement. So far, the government has sent mixed signals on this issue, but countries are ready to talk. If the trade association has its way, there should no longer be a mask requirement. This would lead to a wave of layoffs in an already weakened industry. Supply bottlenecks are also imminent, warns the head of the trade association, Rainer Will, in krone.tv’s live conversation with Jana Pasching. “We receive thousands of emails where annoyed customers tell us that if the mask requirement is re-introduced, they’ll only get them from Amazon and Co. would buy from retailers from third countries. The federal government would be shooting itself in the foot here and we should be complaining about more closures.”
Collective bargaining in the retail sector would also be particularly difficult. Figures are not given here, but it is clear that there must be a triad of system adjustments, one-off payments and taking into account the measures taken by the federal government. “The employer cannot take over everything,” says the head of the trade association. Every second company is making a loss this year. By the end of the year, 6,000 businesses will close.
The energy cost subsidy for businesses, in particular, sees itself being let down, although it has been loudly pointed out. The government is clearly in favor of the industry here, according to Will. “We deeply regret that, because in every region and in every city center we will lose companies.” In the retail sector, costs are currently increasing. In addition to energy prices, wholesale prices are also rising, as are personnel costs. “The industry’s capital base will be severely weakened.”
Christmas presents? “Well advised to buy now”
Due to the lockdowns in Shanghai in the spring and summer, you still have to deal with delivery problems. While well prepared for the Christmas business, it is clear that anyone looking to get hold of a model or brand as a gift would do well to buy now. “The tighter the Christmas trade, the more uncertain the signs right now,” Will says.
To save energy, it may be useful to take a look at the opening hours after the Christmas holidays. “It’s obviously a mechanism that allows you to temporarily shorten shopping mall opening hours for the duration of the energy crisis,” says Rainer Will.
You can see the entire interview with Rainer Will in the video above. Watch Krone Live Monday through Friday on krone.tv.
We explain what everyone is thinking about right now: the latest news conversations with politicians and experts.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
