The lockdown for vaccinated and convalescent people is over, in Vienna shops and body-friendly service providers are open again. Retailers in particular are still hoping for good Christmas business. On the first day there was a big rush.
13.12.2021 18.01
Online since today, 6:01 p.m.
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After three weeks of lockdown, all trading operations for vaccinated and convalescent people reopened on Monday. The goods are piling up in the shops before Christmas and the dealers were reasonably satisfied on the first day. “You can tell that you have missed the stationary trade and there will certainly be catch-up effects now. The visitors come to us again and they appreciate the atmosphere in the stationary trade and you can actually tell from the first minute, ”said Stephan Kalteis, managing director of the Gerngross department store, in Ö1.
Lockdown lost 3 billion
Apparel and electronics are in particularly good demand today, he says. “Of course, you will not be able to make up for lost sales now or you will not be able to make up for it. You will then see how the state aid can compensate for it. ”According to the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, the lockdown resulted in a loss of three billion euros across Austria.
The current opening is only possible for vaccinated and convalescent people. When it comes to 2-G verification, Gerngross relies on information. Controls are not possible because of the grocery store in the house. Random checks are carried out at Morawa, a bookstore in downtown Vienna. The mood is very good, says branch manager Franz Lindl. “The first five or six customers who were in business today presented their vaccinated certificates on their own initiative. We are very friendly with us. “
Shops in Vienna reopened
The lockdown for vaccinated and convalescent people is over, in Vienna shops and body-friendly service providers are reopening. Especially the trade is still hoping for a good Christmas business – because the lockdown has lost three billion euros across Austria, according to the Chamber of Commerce.
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Crowds like on the weekend
The rush in the Danube Center is as big as it is on weekends. Some customers report to the “Wien heute” local inspection that they have taken an extra day off. According to the Chamber of Commerce, the end of the lockdown is essential for the Christmas business – and this year, for the first time, there is an exception to the Sunday rest: the shops are allowed to open on the fourth Sunday in Advent, which is December 19th this year. Until the opening, some shops with “Click and Collect” models kept their heads above water.
Body-hugging service providers such as hairdressers are also allowed to reopen. Thomas Koppitz, owner of a hairdressing salon, is delighted “that we can open the door again. Because it is incredibly difficult for us to lose so much potential, especially in the time of the year with the highest turnover. ”Whether shopping or haircut: customers have to wear an FFP2 mask. The 3-G rule and an FFP2 mask requirement apply to staff, unless there are structural protective measures, for example.
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