"I think that today it is useful to postpone, therefore the sales will start on January 20," declared Alain Griset, the Minister for SMEs, Friday December 4 on Sud-Radio, thus confirming the postponement of the start of the winter sales period.
An announcement that follows a request from associations of traders.
The duration of sales will be four weeks, we told the Ministry of SMEs.
Usually, in France, the winter sales start in the first half of January.
After consulting the federations of traders and consumer associations, we have decided to start the sales from January 20, 2021.
I reiterate my call made this morning: buy from our local traders.
pic.twitter.com/39LdIkEjoH
- Alain Griset (@alaingriset) December 4, 2020
"Replenish cash"
The Confederation of French Traders (CCF) and the Artisanal Traders of the Metropolises of France (CAMF) in particular had requested a postponement from the government on Tuesday.
The two organizations had deemed "vital" for businesses to "be able to sell at 'the right price', without price reduction, for several winter weeks in order to be able to replenish cash", after the administrative closures imposed from October 30 to November 27 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I consulted the trade associations, there are many, I also consulted the associations of traders, so as usual opinions are divergent", explained Alain Griset.
"Some were asking for the 27th. I consider that January 20 is a date which is correct, which will allow a good period to be considered," he added.
The minister also recalled that January 20 is also "the date hoped for by all restaurateurs" for the reopening of their establishments.
With AFP
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