Sale, illustration – ROMAIN DOUCELIN / SIPA
Members of the Alliance du commerce federation, most of whose outlets have been closed since mid-March due to the
coronavirus, would like to see
summer sales postponed “no later than July 1” and extended for six weeks, until August 11 inclusive, according to a statement on Monday.
The Alliance du commerce, which brings together the Union du grand commerce de downtown, the Federation of clothing brands and the Federation of shoe brands, has conducted a survey of its members to prepare for the revival of their activity at the end of containment.
A normal period established from June 24 to July 21
The summer sales period in most departments of mainland France has been set for Wednesday, June 24 to Tuesday, July 21, 2020, but store closures imposed during the containment have disrupted sales for the latter.
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 flow and” to preserve the back-to-school period which usually starts from August 15 “.
The end of the 30 days?
The Alliance du Commerce also demands, “on an exceptional basis”, the suspension of the 30-day rule which requires that the sale products must have been offered for sale and paid for at least one month before the start of the sales. She 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 for e-commerce ”. The initial containment period, which was scheduled to end on March 31, has been extended to at least April 15 by the government.
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