The distribution sector, through its main associations, as well as shopping centers, ask the government to open in phase 1 of the de-escalation (it would begin, in some provinces, on May 11), instead of waiting for the May 25 (which would be phase 2).

"The opening of our establishments generates deep concern in the sector," said Anged, a business association that encompasses many of these chains, including Leroy Merlin, Media Markt, El Corte Inglés and Ikea.

This request is made by the Spanish Association of Shopping Centers, Aecoc (which groups distribution and manufacturers), Acotex (textile sector) and Catering Brands, which groups the main hotel chains.

All of them request the Government that the reopening of the shopping centers and parks, as well as the commercial premises and establishments located therein, be included in phase 1 of the de-escalation, since "they are in a position to guarantee the health and safety of your customers and your workers. "

Two months of hiatus

Except for food, all businesses have been closed for two months now, with nearly 100,000 ERTE employees and "very severe operational and liquidity problems," they point out from Anged.

Sales in some business categories may drop between 25% and 50% this year. and delaying the reopening puts 5,000 jobs at risk, according to their calculations.

The Government allows the opening of shops of less than 400 square meters in this phase 0, but only by appointment. This assumes that you can only open local commerce, or small commerce, and in very restrictive circumstances.

In the next phase, 1, which in theory would begin on May 11 in the provinces that are prepared for it, could open these establishments but without an appointment. Those of more than 400 meters would open from May 25 (phase 2).

Without surface discrimination

For this reason, these associations demand that the opening to phase 1 be brought forward. "We do not share the discrimination in the reopening of stores by size that the Government has set. The health and safety reasons of employees and customers must be the only reasons that determine the reopening ", they point out.

They believe that all stores that meet the necessary requirements for social distancing, capacity, prevention and hygiene required by the health authority should be able to open their doors in phase 1. "The closure of our stores keeps a value chain that generates 30 billion euros blocked. annual billing euros for the Spanish industry and services, mostly for SMEs.

"More than 500 shopping centers and parks are already open to the public, housing a significant number of the commercial establishments whose activity is considered essential," they claim. This, they say, has forced them to manage, right from the start of the crisis, measures to guarantee the safety of all users, without the risk of crowds either in the premises or in the common areas of the centers.

The Shopping Centers and Parks sector totals more than 36,000 merchants, of which 85% are small businesses of less than 300 square meters (mostly small freelancers and SMEs). It adds 740,000 jobs, between direct jobs (close to 50%) and indirect.

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

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