The development ministry’s announcement that a measure allowing small and medium-sized shops in Greece to open up to seven Sundays per year, to start on November 3 with the inauguration of the new law, met with a poor reception from the sector.
Greek trade associations in every region must decide whether stores will take up the option, however, there is no unified view among shopkeepers, who are mostly opposed to working on Sunday. Associations in Keratsini, Ilion and Nikaia have already decided that shops will remain closed.
The president of Nikaia Trade Association Thanasis Tsinos stated to ANA-MPA that “the board has not been convinced about the government’s plan”. The law stipulates that stores will be open from 11.00 to 20.00 on Sunday and resulted in various reactions.
Owners and shop assistants talked to the ANA-MPA about the new law and the state of market in general.
Dina Kouroupioti, a ladies wear shop owner in Nea Ionia, said that the opening of stores on Sunday will increase operating costs and added that “this is due to the fact that the market has changed compared to what it was like before. Sales have decreased, bills have increased” she said adding that there is nothing to do, but remain optimistic.
Sophia Menti, a children’s footwear shop owner, said “I run the store alone throughout the week and I oppose this new law. I need to rest with my family on Sunday.”
Stavroula Kourti, a lingerie store manager in Peristeri, claimed: “Greeks are used to resting on Sunday and not going out shopping, there will be no change in that”.
Nektarios Kavourinos, a jewellery shop owner in Peristeri, believes there’s no reason for stores to open seven Sundays a year. Kavourinos said “whoever wants to shop will do so during the week, if they can afford it”. He pointed out that reduced rents did not mean product prices will drop because wholesale prices remain the same.
Despite working in the center of Athens where tourists usually shop, Mary Menegaki, a shop employee in Ermou, is not sure about the new measure’s outcome in terms of sales.
Ioanna Eikosipentari, owner of a women’s’ clothing and accessories shop in Ermou agreed with the new measure. “The financial conditions make us want to work more,” said Eikosipentari. Giorgos Psillos, another shop keeper in Ermou, had doubts about the new measure’s outcome: “I am against this measure, however, I will agree if shops open five to seven Sundays a year and no more.”
(source: ana-mpa)
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