Even the major retail chains can hardly wait to open their stores on May 2nd. A few weeks ago, Wolfgang Krejcik had caused criticism by selling electrical equipment as chairman of his trading division in the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. But “Click & Collect”, picking up goods ordered online, is prohibited for closed shops in the non-food sector.
The Ö1 midday journal reported on Saturday from several providers who are practicing this almost a week before reopening. In addition to four officially opened branches in nine branches, Hervis offers goods collection. “We only click and collect where it makes sense that the sales area is not entered. Where there is parking space, the customer can pick up the ordered goods. He is currently not being allowed in the store,” said Oliver Seda from the Hervis legal department talking to Ö1.
Ministry: No acceptable business model
The Ministry of Social Affairs, on the other hand, says that this is not a permissible business model for those who are currently not allowed to keep open. Currently only deliveries would be allowed there and no pickups. Even if there are two reports against Hervis so far, Seda is calm about it. “I don’t see a legal basis why it shouldn’t be allowed. But yes, there are people who bother all of this.”
The Thalia bookstore chain also sells books in front of the shops. Thalia Managing Director Thomas Zehetner confirmed that. “Click and Collect coincides with the opening restrictions, which means that customers are prohibited from entering the sales area. We adhere to this very closely.”
Neos support practice
Now furniture stores like XXXLutz and Ikea want to join in the near future. This practice also works without problems in other countries, says Ikea Marketing Manager Maimuna Mosser about Ö1: “We see in the context that the regulations currently allow a lot of room for interpretation.”
The Neos business spokesman, Sepp Schellhorn, supports the businesspeople in this interpretation. “In my opinion, there is no regulation that prohibits this. That shows that we are suffering from a confusion of communications between the Minister of Health and the entire crisis management system. That we have no clear regulations here.” The Chamber of Commerce told Ö1 that click and collect is not recommended, but that the interpretation of the regulation can be understood. (apa)
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