Several federations of independent traders asked the government on Tuesday to postpone the opening of winter sales at the end of January, due to disruptions in their activity due to the health crisis.
“The Confederation of traders of France (CDF) and the Tradesmen Craftsmen of the Metropoles of France (CAMF) unite to ask for the postponement of the date of the winter sales to the end of January”, on Wednesday 27 or possibly Wednesday 20, due to the closure imposed on so-called non-essential businesses during the second confinement, these two organizations write in a joint press release.
“Stocks are at their highest”
“The stocks of these stores are at their highest and have been paid for weeks to suppliers. It is therefore vital for these businesses to be able to sell at the + fair price +, without price reduction, for several winter weeks in order to be able to replenish cash flow and meet the costs incumbent on them ”, explain the CDF and CAMF.
Winter sales usually start in France in the first half of January. “The traders must be fixed as quickly as possible in order to be able to organize themselves”, also underline the two federations.
This year, the government had already decided to postpone the summer sales for three weeks due to the pandemic. The objective was to take into account the situation of small traders, who needed ” time “ for “Reconstitute” their cash flow without breaking prices. The stores were able to start the discounts in mid-July.
What a report “Was considered beneficial by all independent traders, with the exception of some traders located in the capital”, underline the CDF and the CAMF, which also call on the executive to “Have a real reflection on the future of the sales, with why not another formula or even finally a harmonization at the level of Europe”.
Solution that was effective last summer
Sales have been less successful in recent years due to the proliferation promotional operations and private sales. In a separate statement, the National Clothing Federation (FNH) also asked to postpone the sales.
“After a month of administrative closure, the vast majority of independent fashion boutiques want the 2021 winter sales to be postponed to January 27 instead of January 6. They are also in favor of maintaining the duration of sales at 4 weeks ”, explained the FNH.
She emphasizes that this postponement would allow boutiques “To ensure the sale of stocks from the Fall / Winter 2021 collection”, “To preserve their cash flow” and of “Contribute to maintaining employment”.
“The experience of the three-week delay of the 2020 summer sales proved that this solution was effective”, added the FNH which presents itself as the only representative organization of independent businesses with an activity in ready-to-wear, lingerie, haberdashery, household linen and curtain-sheers.
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