Members of the Trade Alliance federation, most of whose outlets have been closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus, would like to see the summer sales postponed "no later than July 1" and extended for six weeks, until '' to August 11 inclusive, according to a press release consulted on Monday.
>> READ ALSO - Coronavirus: Europe's most bereaved continent with more than 50,000 dead
The Trade Alliance, which brings together the Union of the big city center trade, the Federation of clothing brands and the Federation of shoe brands, has conducted a survey of its members to prepare the relaunch of their activity at the end of containment.
CORONAVIRUS ESSENTIALS
> How long are healthy carriers contagious?
> What are the side effects of chloroquine?
> Adulterated tests, false calls for donations ...: watch out for scams linked to the coronavirus
> Reading, board games ... How to stimulate your brain during confinement?
> How to avoid gaining pounds during confinement?
The summer sales period in most departments of mainland France was fixed from Wednesday June 24 to Tuesday July 21, 2020, but the store closings imposed during the confinement disrupted sales of the latter.
Sell stocks and replenish cash
The dates proposed by the members of the Alliance du commerce would present to them the advantage of "ensuring the sale of their stocks from the Spring-Summer 2020 collection", "exceptionally high due to the closure of non-food businesses since March 15 ", to replenish their cash and" to preserve the back-to-school period which usually starts from August 15 ".
>> READ ALSO - Coronavirus: demands for partial unemployment explode
The Alliance du Commerce also demands, "exceptionally", the suspension of the 30-day rule which states that the sale products must have been offered for sale and paid for at least one month before the start of the sales. It also requests "the benevolence of the State services (DGCCRF) during this period".
Thursday, several federations of independent trade grouped in the Confederation of French traders asked to postpone the start of the summer sales to July 22, as well as an "exceptional order to supervise, a month before the new date postponed sales, aggressive promotions, private sales, sales below cost, etc. including e-commerce. "
The initial containment period, which was scheduled to end on March 31, was extended at least until April 15 by the government.