The Swiss trade association complains that the two major distributors Migros and Coop violate the Federal Council’s ban on the sale of non-essential goods. As the “SonntagsZeitung” reports, association president Jean-François Rime and director Hans-Ulrich Bigler sent registered warning letters to Migros President Ursula Nold and Coop President Hansueli Loosli on Friday. In these he accuses the retail giants of a “continuous refusal to comply with the regulations”.
The trade association provides an ultimatum in the letters: Migros and Coop would have to confirm “the immediate and comprehensive implementation of the Covid Regulation” by 5 p.m. on Monday. “Otherwise, we expressly reserve the right to file a criminal complaint.” The trade association could decide on Tuesday when its board meets.
«Crisis winner»
The traders accuse Migros and Coop of taking advantage of the plight of the specialty shops, which are closed by order of the Federal Council. The letter states that the major distributors “acted as crisis winners” and tried “to cement their market position at the expense of SME retailers”.
Migros and Coop reject the allegations. “We have adhered to the regulation from the beginning and will continue to do so,” says a Migros spokesman. “Coop adheres to the range restrictions in the best possible way, taking into account the cantonal interpretations,” says a Coop spokeswoman.
Trade association director Hans-Ulrich Bigler, however, says there is enough evidence to support the criminal complaint. On Friday, the association also sent a armored letter to the Federal Council. In it he calls for the “immediate implementation” of the legislation. If Migros and Coop failed to do so, their branches would have to be closed and those responsible responsible punished.
(chk)
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