The summer sales period begins tomorrow. She was postponed by one month due to the health crisis. However, the atmosphere will be special in stores with a series of measures to be applied: masks, solo shopping and a maximum of 30 minutes in store.
In Liège, Irini is preparing to welcome her customers to her ready-to-wear boutique. She remains optimistic: “There is stock, so the reductions will be rather high this year. Given the news, we preferred to start directly with very large promotions, from the outset to – 50%”.
Attractive prices to empty stock and improve turnover. “The traders hope that these August sales will make it possible to make up for some of the losses caused by their compulsory closure due to health measures. Moreover, one in two traders announces that they will make reductions of – 50 % straight away. Which never happens “, observes Clarisse Ramackers director of the studies department at the Union des Classes Moyennes (UCM).
Brakes for customers
The measures of the National Security Council (CNS) do not facilitate the daily life of traders. Saleswoman in a clothing store, Solange does not hide her fears: “We are really in the dark. I’m afraid that this will put a brake on customers because the purpose of the sales is really that: stroll, take time, be with friends, with family.” She is not alone in dreading unproductive sales. According to figures from the Union des Classes Moyennes, 88% of traders believe sales will be lower compared to last summer.
–
