Barely reopened, businesses are already straining on the dates of the summer sales



Some traders find themselves with a large stock to sell by the summer. – MEIGNEUX ROMUALD / SIPA

  • The so-called “non-essential” shops were able to reopen this Wednesday after several weeks of closure.
  • Depending on the size and type of stores, professionals are divided on the date of the summer sales, which are scheduled to start on June 23.
  • A decision is expected no later than May 31.

In contrary to ministers, the traders certainly did not have time to have a coffee on the terrace this Wednesday morning. Because after weeks of imposed closure, Covid-19 obliges, they were eager to raise the curtain to welcome their customers and make sales. A relief that could be short-lived, because many now fear another deadline: that of the summer sales.

Officially, their start is scheduled for June 23, in five weeks. Far too early in the eyes of many independent traders, who are calling for a postponement as in the summer of 2020. “They want a start as late as possible, confirms to 20 minutes Denis Favier, vice-president of traders and craftsmen of the metropolises of France. They haven’t been able to work since the beginning of April, so they need to make sales with a normal margin. They do not want to end up with a margin sacrificed after a month because of the cuts. “

“Small” vs “big”

A request supported by the Confederation of traders of France (CDF), which also defends independent shops (grocery stores, clothing, leather goods, lingerie, etc.). According to her, starting the sales too early would weaken the shops, while at the same time, the State will gradually turn off the aid tap. “This is the reason why the CDF asks that the summer sales begin around July 15, 2021” indicates the confederation. Denis Favier pleads for his side for July 7, “in order to reach a compromise”.

Because in front of these “small” traders, other professional organizations, grouping together the big names, militate for a maintenance of the sales from June 23. This is the case of the Alliance du commerce, which represents in particular regulars in city centers (Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Le Bon Marché) and major brands of clothing and footwear (Petit Bateau, Etam, Paraboot , Pataugas…). “Unlike freelancers, they often have more than three or four collections a year. So the stake for them is to destock as quickly as possible, ”explains Denis Favier. The goal is to make room at all costs, even if it means selling at a loss.

Decision on balances by the end of May

To help clothing and leather goods stores that would find themselves with many unsold items, the government already issued a decree last Sunday providing additional assistance corresponding to 80% of the amount received in November 2020. “This is good news for some traders, recognizes Denis Favier. On the other hand, for those who have hundreds of thousands of euros in stocks to sell, this help is a drop in the bucket ”. “For businesses that have two or three shops, 1,500 euros, or even 10,000 euros to share on two or three points of sale, it becomes very difficult”, regretted Friday the designer of men’s clothing Pierre Talamon, questioned by AFP .

If the executive has answered on stocks, he takes all his time with regard to balances. Asked by 20 minutes, the cabinet of Alain Griset, Minister in charge of SMEs, indicates on Wednesday that “consultations were carried out on Tuesday with representatives of trade federations and consumer associations. With regard to the resumption of activity, a decision on the balance situation will be taken before the end of the month ”. In a hurry to have an answer, traders will therefore have to take their troubles patiently for a few more days.





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