French retailers recently sought government support after sales failed to rebound fully due to a second lockdown, saying measures to fight the pandemic are changing consumer patterns.

Despite a good pick-up in spending in December, many clothing, shoe and jewellery retailers face a drop in revenue of more than 20% in 2020, the French Council of Commerce (CDCF) said in a statement.

 

“Many shopkeepers could decide to put up the shutters for good to avoid racking up further losses and dragging out an insurmountable economic situation,” said William Koeberle, chairman of the trade group.

 

Since lockdown restrictions were eased for so-called non-essential retailers at the beginning of December, health protocols have meant reduced capacity in stores, and footfall has declined. At the same time, online sales have grown, jumping 20% in the week of Black Friday, according to e-commerce federation Fevad.

 

CDFC urged the government to help retailers, and not just the smallest ones, adding that a number of chain stores were close to ceasing operations. This support should include allowing retailers to open on Sundays ahead of the delayed start of the annual winter discount sales on January 20.

Source: fibre2fashion.com